Ndivhuzanui “Makadzi” Larivhona was dragged into the Deaf community to apologise.
The award-winning singer was accused of being rude after mocking sign language during the filming of a recent music video.
A South African sign language digital learning platform criticised her on Instagram and shared the video.
“By using sign language, Makhazi not only mocked our language and disrespected our culture, but also taught his millions of fans that this is normal. This is not acceptable in Deaf culture. Deaf people do not accept sign language. Mocking a language that is rich in history and culture is a mockery of the people who speak it and the hardships they have endured,” said sign language instructor Diumercy Ahsan.
Makhadzi apologised and said he had not intended to hurt anyone.
“There are many things you don't know how people will take it. As someone in the entertainment industry, this was part of performing without knowing how it would affect others. But if people were affected by an action, then I have to understand and accept that I was wrong.”
“I will be apologizing publicly. I never intended to hurt anyone. I never intended to hurt anyone in the deaf community. As someone who has been bullied, I understand how painful it is and that what I did was not accepted by others. I take responsibility for that. So I will be apologizing publicly for that. There was no ill intent. I will be releasing a statement next week,” the music star said.