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FHM model apologises for racist tweets

Cape Town - Jessica Leandra is sorry.

The FHM model, who describes herself as a "glamorous blonde of Mediterranean nationality", has come under a storm of criticism after posting a tweet on Thursday that read: "Just, well took on an arrogant and disrespectful kaffir inside Spar. Should have punched him, should have".

When this raised the ire of her followers and fellow tweeters, Jessica replied: "Tweeted with anger after an incident last night. Forget it pls, I dnt stand still against sexual harassment, thats all."

'No surprise'

She took to her personal website to post an explanation of her actions, which reads: "I tweeted rather irresponsibly about an incident, using a harsh and unkind word about the gentleman who had confronted me with sexual remarks and sounds."

She also explains that she does not believe so many would be angered by her words if they had been there to witness her encounter with the "gentleman" in question. 

"It is no surprise that my comment has offended many people and for this, I am apologetic."

Jessica's Twitter retraction did not stem the barrage of angry and disbelieving replies she was receiving, and she fought back with: "Would u all stop! These are the kinds of people that land up raping young girls of our country! I wasn't going to let him get away with it."

Jessica, who refers to herself on her website as "a woman of very few words… My days revolve around being kind and projecting a kind nature", has since deleted her offensive tweet, as well as another angry post: "Highlight of my weekend? Almost punching an #Engen petrol assistant. No tolerance for rude African monkeys whatsoever!"

FHM title to be stripped?

A Twitter campaign has been started that calls on men's magazine FHM to strip Jessica of her FHM Models 2011 title.

Twitter user @RickyBynight wrote: "Motion to have@FHMSouthAfrica strip@JessicaLeandra of her 2011 Top 100 placing for being racist. All those in favour RT".

FHM South Africa have also reacted to Jessica's words on Twitter: "We're horrified that any1 would say such things! Those attitudes have no place in society or FHM! [sic]"

FHM editor Brendan Cooper told Eyewitness News, "We are appalled by Jessica's moronic, racist tweets. She in no way represents our brand."

What do you think of Jessica Leandra's apology - sincere or not? Send us your thoughts and comments.

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