Share

Nonhle goes too far

Johannesburg - Someone is determined to put an end to Nonhle Thema’s ugly ­Twitter rants. And now Thema has landed herself in legal trouble.

LeBlerh Artist Management and Brand Activators is suing the 29-year-old Thema to the tune of R85 000 for allegedly defaming their client, SABC1 presenter Minenhle Dlamini (21).

The lawsuit stems from several tweets the former Vuzu starlet posted on Spring Day. That morning, Thema tweeted: “I will be at Hush this weekend...F***k Minnie and her drunk self...u will get another BEAT down if u think ure all that. Ure just a presenter (sic).”

This followed a story published in City Press about Dlamini’s ­assault at club Hush in Rosebank, northern Johannesburg.

LeBlerh’s Blessing “MaBlerh” Cele said they were not suing on Dlamini’s behalf but as a company that represents her brand.

Cele said: “Minnie is aware that we are suing Nonhle. We are doing this because my client’s source of income is linked to her reputation.”

In about 10 tweets attacking Dlamini, Thema also referred to her as a “young hoe” and a “drunk”.

On Monday, the management company sent Thema a notice from their legal representatives, ­Edward Nathan Sonnenberg ­Attorneys.

The letter, which City Press has seen, states that Thema’s “distasteful comments have caused an enormous amount of harm to our client as well as her reputation”.

The lawyers instruct that Thema should:
» Provide our client with a written undertaking within five days of date hereof (September 8) that you will forthwith cease and desist from making further defamatory statements regarding our client;
» Provide our client with a formal and sincere written retraction and apology; and
» Make a payment to our client, within 14 days of date hereof, of the sum of R85 000.

In response, Thema’s lawyers Rooth & Wessels Attorneys have requested to consult with their ­client on the matter.

Their statement reads: “We intend to meet to consult with our ­client during the next few days and revert to you by no later than close of business on 21 September 2011”.

But Dlamini’s team is not willing to budge and has instructed ­Thema’s team to “respond to us by Monday [tomorrow]”.

Dlamini, who was recently announced as the new face of Legit clothing, said she was “aware” that her team was dealing with Thema’s tweets.

She said: “I stand by my manager’s decision to sue on the grounds of defamation. I have informed them that I want nothing to do with the money.

“My plans are to donate it to ­charities and organisations that look after women that are ­victims of abuse.”
We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE