After receiving backlash for a video ridiculing Coloured women this week, Lalla Hirayama posted an apology on her twitter feed on Thursday morning.
“I made a TikTok video on Tuesday which was offensive to some of my fellow South Africans. Also, I published it during a time when we each face new and unfamiliar pressures. Moreover, I was not sensitive to the climate in SA as we prepare to enter the 4th week of isolation together. I will be more aware of our collective context.
Tiktok is a new platform that many of us are learning how to apply ourselves to. It is satirical in nature and my warning to others using this platform is that despite the mechanic relying on you impersonating others…in the South Africa context we must always respect the cultural nuances of our countrymen. My efforts were intended only to be entertaining, to share same uniquely South African “thing” we celebrate as part of what makes us good at overcoming adversity when the chips are low. It (sic) am sorry to know that it angered people. I am aware that my understanding of the TikTok post was potentially short-sighted, I will never be able to take that back. It was not meant to offend any race. I will however, continue to learn as much as I can every day about the rich diversity in South Africa so as to be more empathic and contribute in a positive way,” reads her apology.
Some, in their responses to her apology, stated that it was sad that those she had blocked were not privy to the apology.
