Gareth Cliff to sue M-Net for R25m?

Cape Town - Gareth Cliff is reportedly suing M-Net for R25m.

According to a report by eNCA on Monday morning the ex-Idols judge is taking the South African broadcaster to court for wrongful dismissal.

Cliff got axed as a judge on the reality singing competition after a Twitter frenzy over comments related to the Penny Sparrow race debacle.

M-Net announced on Friday, 8 January that Cliff will not be part of the judging panel for Idols SA Season 12, which is due to commence with countrywide auditions at the end of January.

According to Cliff’s lawyer M-Net didn’t follow proper procedure during his dismissal.

Eyebrows were also raised over the fact that Cliff’s co-judge, Somizi, did not get the boot after he was involved in a race row just a few weeks before.

"To be fired over this whole mess does seem unfair. M-Net has said as much. They said I'm not a racist,” Cliff said shortly after news first broke that he would no longer be part of the TV show.

M-Net has not officially responded to the latest reports.

UPDATE: Confirmed: Gareth Cliff to sue M-Net for unfair dismissal and defamation