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Shashi Naidoo apologises for Gaza 'shithole' comments

Cape Town - Local TV personality and model Shashi Naidoo has publicly apologised for comments in which she expressed pro-Israeli views and called Gaza a "shithole."

The model came under fire for being "extremely uninformed" after expressing her views on Israel and Palestine on Saturday.

In a lengthy Instagram post she called Gaza a "shithole" and defended Israeli actions against Palestinians.

SEE HER COMMENTS HERE

The 37-year-old went on to apologise for her comments, writing on social media: "I am extremely sorry for the statements I have made, unfortunately my comments came from very little knowledge of the political standing as I am not a political figure or even follow political."

She later released a teary-eyed video apology, in which she called her previous apology "sincere," saying she had received 10 death threats. 

   

Following her comments on social media, the former TV presenter has been dropped by several sponsors including Glam Palm and Lil Jewels.

Glam Palm wrote on Facebook: "At this time we would like to distance ourselves from these statements as we do not share or appreciate this political stance."

Lil Jewels took to Instagram, saying: "For her to proclaim that she sides with Israel, shows her total lack of understanding of the situation in Palestine, and for me this is totally unacceptable."

READ THEIR FULL RESPONSE HERE:   

Shashi is not the first local celebrity to receive backlash for expressing views on the matter. 

In April DJ Black Coffee found himself at the centre of social media storm after performing in Israel.

The popular DJ responded to the backlash saying that he is "not a political party" and works to "feed his family."

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