South African music boss and podcaster Sfiso Ndlovu might be in trouble. This after Sfiso, who owns Lea Records, claimed that socialite and musician Uncle Vinny, real name Kabelo Vincent Mpofu, takes codeine which could kill him.
Sfiso said this during an episode of a podcast he co-hosts, called Piano Pulse.
Uncle Vinny’s lawyers then sent him a letter of demand and asked for a public apology and R500 000.
“On or about 24 September 2024, you uttered statements of false, malicious, and defamatory statements and allegations against our client on Podcast and Chill Network. One of the false and defamatory statements was as follows: ‘Codeine is going to kill Vinny.’ Your statements on this particular day are slanderous, libelous, and defamatory,” read the letter.
The lawyers said the claims have impacted Uncle Vinny’s reputation.
“We hereby place on record that our client has no knowledge of the false and defamatory allegations raised by you in the podcast. The aim and purpose of these statements and allegations is to slander, humiliate, defame and tarnish the good name and reputation of our client. In uttering these statements, you intended to humiliate our client, defame and tarnish his good name and reputation. Furthermore, it was your deliberate intention to impugn our client’s dignity and integrity.
“You were opportunistic and displayed true parasitic behaviour by stirring controversy and using our client for your own selfish and personal gains. These allegations impugned our client’s character, reputation, and human dignity. You made these allegations and statements maliciously, knowing full well that they are false, or in the alternative you acted with reckless disregard of the true facts. The damage done to our client’s reputation by your false and defamatory allegations is severe and irreversible. These false and malicious statements have been and continue to be injurious and detrimental to our client’s good name, reputation and continue to be injurious and detrimental to our client’s good name, reputation and brand,” the letter continued.
Sfiso was instructed to apologize by Tuesday, 1 October.
“Furthermore, you should undertake not to make such false and defamatory statements against our clients in future. It is our further instruction to proceed with a civil claim for damages in the amount of R500 000.00 against you,” they wrote.
Sfiso released an apology on Instagram on Thursday, 3 October.
“Sfiso Ndlovu would like to issue a public apology to Mr Kabelo Vincent Mpofu, popularly known as ‘Uncle Vinny,’ for the remarks made during a podcast discussion on Podcast and Chill Network on 24 September 2024.
“My statement regarding Mr Mpofu’s alleged involvement with codeine was made without proper verification and I now understand that it was both false and defamatory. I retract my statements fully and unreservedly. I apologize for any harm these remarks may have caused to Mr Mpofu’s reputation, brand, and personal integrity. It was not my intention to slander, humiliate, or cause distress and I deeply regret the impact that my words have had,” he said.
When called for comment, Sfiso’s wife asked that Daily Sun call her the next day as they were busy.
On the other hand, Uncle Vinny told the publication he was happy with the apology.
“I got an apology. It is what it is. At least for my fans, they’ll have something to see and know that’s not me. I’m not the person Sfiso spoke about. I keep to myself, and I mind my business. I don’t know where he could’ve gotten that.
“He still needs to apologize again on the platform he made the lies on. But people need to know that I’m dropping new music. An EP titled Youth League Vol 2 featuring DJ Maphorisa, Anatii, Mellow & Sleazy, and LeeMckrazy,” he said.
-dailysun
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