In a bold and heartfelt statement, Oscar-winning actress Viola Davis has condemned the baseless “white genocide” narrative peddled by US President Donald Trump and his administration, as well as the predominantly Afrikaner movement AfriForum.
Davis called the narrative a distortion that undermines the nation’s journey toward healing and justice.
The Woman King star took to social media on Saturday to express her solidarity with South Africans, sparking a wave of support and debate across platforms like X and beyond.
Her words, rooted in her commitment to truth and equality, have reignited conversations about misinformation and unity in a country still grappling with its apartheid past.
The “white genocide” narrative, often pushed by fringe groups, falsely claims that white South Africans face systematic extermination or targeted violence.
Fourth quarter crime statistics
Critics, including the South African Police Service, have dismissed these claims as baseless. Police Minister Senzo Mchunu recently stated: “Promoting such a narrative is unacceptable and divisive.”
When presenting the crime statistics for the fourth quarter of the 2024-2025 financial year on Friday, Mchunu stated that a total of five out of the six people who were killed on South African farms between January and March 2025 are black people.
The other farm murder victims are white people, the minister said.
Yet, the myth persists, amplified by misinformation campaigns and selective storytelling that oversimplifies complex issues like land reform and racial inequality.
Davis, known for her powerful performances and advocacy for marginalised communities, did not hold back.
In a post on Instagram, Davis wrote: “Spent a lot of time in Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl, and Durban … there is no argument.
“There is no justification. I have seen the ravages of apartheid. I have seen the townships are all black. Full stop.”
Trump’s claims inappropriate
The UN Human Rights Office spokesperson Ravina Shamdasani said Trump’s claims are wholly inappropriate.
Shamdasani stated that these are extremely serious issues, and one should not use the word carelessly.
This is not the first time Davis has tackled tough issues.
In 2020, she reflected on her role in The Help, admitting regrets for participating in a film that she felt failed to fully centre black voices.
“I betrayed myself and my people,” she said, showcasing her willingness to confront uncomfortable truths.
Her defence of The Woman King against historical inaccuracy critiques in 2022 further underscores her commitment to authentic storytelling.
