Loyiso Bala found himself at the top of
Twitter’s trending list on Monday night and for all the wrong reasons.
It all began when the RnB turned Gospel singer tweeted a birthday message to his younger brother, Phelo Bala with a caption that many found to be judgmental and homophobic.
“Blessed to have spent some quality time with my brother @PheloBala the past few weeks. As I said to him, “I’m in no position to judge u but to love you and to always point you to Christ. Your relationship with him will define your life’s purpose.” #Happy28thBirthday mntshan’am ,” he wrote.
Many took Loyiso’s scripture reference as a
homophobic comment towards Phelo and entertainer, Moshe Ndiki’s publicized romantic relationship and
slammed him for not supporting his brother.
Even celebrities including Khuli Roberts
and The Queen’s Vuyolwethu Ngcukana found Loyiso’s tweet to be distasteful.
“Hayi! Judge him,” Khuli questioned. While Vuyo expressed his disappointment in the tweet.
Acknowledging people’s criticism of him, the
TBN
Africa’s channel director hit back at the critics by saying that it was
ironic how people were judging him for being judgmental.
“The irony about this trend is that I am being judged for somehow having been judgemental Wow!!! ,” he wrote.
Loyiso also posted Phelo’s response to his
birthday message, insinuating that Phelo had no problem with what was said.
“This was Phelo’s reply to the same message posted on Instagram yesterday. Good night”
Speaking to DRUM, the musician said that it
was never his intention to hurt people with what he said.
“I am still in shock over the response and how truly hurt certain people were by the tweet. This was not my intention at all,” he said before explaining how the context of his tweet was misunderstood.
“I have read the tweet several times. Maybe what was misunderstood was the context in which it was written. Phelo and I spend about 80% of our time talking about the gospel and showing each other ways to live by it. Maybe the fact that I never gave that context gave those who are offended the wrong impression.”
On the accusation of being homophobic, Loyiso said it is untrue and that he supports the rights of every person.
“That’s untrue and totally ridiculous. I stand for equal rights for all members of our society.”
