Former 5FM shock jock Gareth Cliff has been criticised over his “racist” remarks concerning US President Donald Trump and Elon Musk’s comments about South Africa.
The CliffCentral founder has shared his “fun” at fellow South Africans who took offense to Trump’s claims that “certain classes of people” were being “treated very badly” in the country.
GARETH CLIFF TRENDS OVER ‘RACIST’ TWEETS
A day after Donald Trump’s claims about South Africa made headlines, Gareth Cliff found himself trending on the X app for his reactions.
He tweeted of the US President’s remarks: “Interesting to see the frantic reactions among some of the clearly nervous local loudmouths to Trump. Proves they’re jittery about being held to account for their opinions, positions, and prejudices for the first time in 20 years or more”.
In another tweet, he posted: “It’s fun watching South Africans losing their sh*t (on the left and right) over Trump’s comments. We’re like a fat ugly girl who finally gets picked for a dance, after being ignored for years”.
Gareth also retweeted Elon Musk’s claims that SA had “openly racist laws.”
The CliffCentral founder then clapped back at British politician George Galloway, who criticised Elon Musk. The former 5FM breakfast show host responded: “In case you were wondering if you’re on the right side of history, here’s a clue: It’s whatever side George Galloway isn’t on.”
On X, Gareth Cliff quickly became a trending topic, with many users calling him out as “racist.”
HISTORY OF SCANDALS
In 2016, Gareth Cliff was fired as a judge on M-Net’s Idols South Africa, after controversial statements surrounding race.
At the time, the broadcaster appeared to defend convicted racist Penny Sparrow, whose post comparing black people to monkeys landed her in hot water.
The estate agent said in a viral Facebook post: “These monkeys that are allowed to be released on New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day on to public beaches, towns, etc. obviously have no education whatsoever. So to allow them loose is inviting huge dirt, troubles, and discomfort to others.”
Gareth said of her comments: “People really don’t understand freedom of speech.”
Images via Facebook: @garethcliffofficial.
According to the Sowetan, Gareth took M-Net to court over the decision and was reinstated. Not long thereafter, he announced his decision to quit the show.
Fast forward to 2021, and popular SA restaurant Nando’s pulled its sponsorship of CliffCentral’s The Burning Platform. This, after he referred to activist Mudzuli Rakhivhane’s views as “anecdotal and unimportant”.
In 2023, Gareth Cliff was accused of promoting racism and Islamophobia when he called then Minister of International Relations Naledi Pandor a “turd”. The outspoken personality mocked an image of Pandor wearing a brown headscarf during a media briefing in Tehran.
He reacted to the backlash by posting: “To be clear, I don’t care if you’re upset or offended. Those are your problems to deal with. I’m not required to be polite or tiptoe around your emotional fragility”.
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to060 011 021 1.
Subscribe to The South African website’s newsletters and follow us onWhatsApp,Facebook,X, andBluesky for the latest news.
