Johannesburg, 28 May 2024: Tumelo Manyoni, better known as the South African Amapiano DJ and producer Mr JazziQ, has publicly addressed allegations of sexual harassment made against him. The allegations, posted on X (formerly Twitter), claim that Mr JazziQ attempted to kiss YFM drive-time show producer Ngcebo Mcoboti forcibly. The incident is said to have occurred on 23 May 2024 inside the offices of the popular Johannesburg-based youth radio station, just before Mr JazziQ’s scheduled interview.
Upon learning of the accusations, Mr JazziQ and his team promptly requested CCTV footage from YFM to refute the claims. However, YFM station manager Haseena Cassim informed them that the elevator where the alleged incident took place is not equipped with cameras. Despite this, YFM distanced itself from Mcobothi’s allegations, clarifying that she is a freelancer and does not represent the station’s views.
To counter the allegations, Mr JazziQ provided video evidence from his videographer. The footage shows Mcobothi entering the building and the elevator along with Mr JazziQ, his team, and another artist. Mr JazziQ is seen interacting with a fan while Mcobothi and several others enter the elevator. The entourage is then seen exiting the elevator, with Mr JazziQ and his PR manager walking behind Mcobothi as they proceed to the studio.
According to The Journalist DJ, there are three key points from the footage challenge Mcobothi’s claims. Firstly, Mr JazziQ was never alone with Mcobothi; they were always in the presence of at least five other people. Secondly, Mr JazziQ entered the elevator last, placing him closest to the doors with no less than five people between him and Mcobothi. Finally, the elevator was in motion for only a few seconds, making it highly improbable for the alleged assault to have occurred as described.
Mr JazziQ i his respect for consent and condemned all forms of violence against women. He called on his fans to refrain from attacking Mcobothi, noting the importance of protecting all women from abuse. While deeply affected by the false accusations, he has chosen not to pursue legal action against Mcobothi, recognising the legal system’s potential to silence real victims. However, he urged Mcobothi to consider the serious implications of her accusations.
YFM’s statement reaffirmed their position, noting Mcobothi’s freelancer status and lack of control over her social media posts. They confirmed the absence of elevator footage but offered access to other relevant CCTV recordings.
The social media response has been divided, with some users calling for Mcobothi’s punishment and others questioning the authenticity of the provided video evidence. The situation remains contentious, highlighting the complexities of navigating allegations of this nature in the public eye.
Mr JazziQ remains committed to transparency and justice, supporting measures that protect the rights of women and uphold the principles of non-violence.
Statement by Mr Tumelo Manyoni (Mr JazziQ) Regarding Allegations of Sexual Harassment Johannesburg, 28 May 2024:
It came to our attention that an X (formerly Twitter) post, published just over a week ago, alleged that Tumelo Manyoni, known professionally as Mr JazziQ, sexually… pic.twitter.com/vleozUCAZc
— TheJournalistDJ (@thejournalistdj) May 28, 2024
