Amapiano artist Tumelo Manyoni, popularly known as Mr JazziQ, has denied sexual harassment allegations levelled against him by Gauteng commercial radio station Y’s content producer.
This comes after the alleged victim, Miss Ngcebo Mcobothi, who is a Y drive-time content producer, shared on social media a week ago that Mr JazziQ allegedly tried to sexually harass and kiss her in the lift.
The alleged incident is said to have taken place at the radio station’s offices on the day that the amapiano artist had an interview.
Mcobothi said at the time that she rejected the artist’s advances.
Y distances station from allegations
Mr JazziQ said in a statement that upon seeing the allegations made by Mcobothi, they contacted the station manager, requesting CCTV footage of that particular day when the incident is said to have happened.
Four days after the footage was requested from the station, Y said the station’s lift has no cameras and went on to distance itself from Mcobothi’s allegations.
“The video evidence provided by Mr JazziQ’s videographer shows Ms Mcobothi entering the building and the lift, along with Mr JazziQ, his team and another famous artist joining him for the interview,” reads the statement.
“Mr JazziQ is seen taking a picture with a fan after Mcobothi entered the lift ahead of him with several other people in tow.”
The statement further reads that there was no point where the alleged victim and perpetrator were alone in the lift; they were in the presence of five other people.
The two have never been in close proximity, as there were other people present in the lift with them.
Appeal to fans
“Mr JazziQ wishes to implore his fans to desist from the temptation to attack Miss Mcobothi in any way, including through social media mobilisation.
“He has been deeply affected both personally and professionally by these false accusations and does not want this ordeal to be used to abuse, mock, deride, or humiliate Miss Mcobothi in any way.”
Although a criminal case has not been opened, the artist has asked the alleged victim to strongly consider the implications of the damaging lie she has spread.
