Renowned author Melinda Ferguson has responded to overwhelming backlash against her new book, which she called “a spew of vitriol.” When it's a live killabout the tragic love story between Anele Tembe and AKA, real name Keenan Forbes.
The book, which chronicles the couple's rollercoaster romance and their untimely deaths, is scheduled to hit shelves this week.
Melinda has been criticized on social media over the “timing” of her release, which came amid Anele's inquest and AKA's murder trial.
The Tembe and Forbes families have also distanced themselves from the book.
Author Melinda Ferguson talks about public backlash
Last week, the third anniversary of Anele Tembe's death was commemorated. A 22-year-old chef died after falling from the 10th floor of a Cape Town hotel with his partner.
It's been just over 14 months since her fiance AKA was shot and killed. Seven men are currently facing murder charges in Duban Superior Court.
During the news, Melinda Ferguson announced the upcoming release of her book When love kills, The story of Anele and AKA's toxic relationship and tragic death is told.
However, the news has faced public criticism for “bad timing” and suspicions that Melinda is “profiting” from the double tragedy.
In a Facebook post, the author revealed that he had been hit by an online attack.
She writes: “I'm not going to lie here…the last 24 hours have been tough.
“I knew this book would probably be controversial, but I didn't expect such a crazy response.
Melinda claimed, “I was deeply affected by the harsh words that were being spewed out and felt misunderstood.''
“We know we live in a world of social media, where unkindness and callousness drive conversations, and there's a lot of that.”
I’m not going to lie here…the last 24 hours have been tough. I knew this book would probably be controversial, but I…
Posted by Melinda Ferguson on Friday, April 12, 2024
Her own struggle with wrong decisions
Melinda Ferguson claimed that the story of Anele Tembe and AKA “speaks to” her based on her own life experiences.
She continued: “I wrote this book trying to understand a story about two people who fell down a rabbit hole of toxic love. Something drove me to keep searching for some kind of truth about what happened. And why did they both die?
“I have been through my own version of hell in life as an addict and as someone who embarked on a dangerous and compulsive relationship.
“Their stories spoke to me. It literally broke my heart.”
Melinda wrote an autobiography hook, smack, crashand deception About battling drug abuse, sobriety, and a near-fatal car accident.
Anele Tembe aka family accepts reservations
Meanwhile, the families of Anele Tembe and Keenan Forbes have released a statement regarding the release of Melinda Ferguson's book during its release.
AKA's parents, Lynn and Tony, distanced themselves from the memoir, claiming they refused to contribute to it.
“…[we] I found the book's publication schedule and timing to be unpleasant and opportunistic. ” read the statement.
Anele's father, Moses Tembe, denied contributing to the book in a statement. south african. However, Melinda insisted that she “definitely had permission.”
