South African comedian Mongezi “Tol A$$ Mo” Mahlangu has found himself in hot water once again, and this time for comments that struck a painful nerve.
After making a deeply insensitive remark about traditional healer and DJ Gogo Skhotheni, linking her spiritual practices to the tragic passing of her son, Monde Junior, he has now issued a public apology.
The controversy began when Tol A$$ Mo made sweeping statements about traditional healers and muti use during pregnancy on a recent episode of Podcast and Chill. His words carried a heavy implication: that Skhotheni’s calling as a traditional healer might have played a role in her son’s passing in September 2024.
As expected, this did not sit well with Skhotheni or her husband, Monde Shange. Devastated and outraged, the grieving parents took to social media to call out the comedian for his thoughtless words.
On TikTok, an emotional Skhotheni expressed her pain and frustration, calling Tol A$$ Mo’s comments both hurtful and reckless. Her husband, equally enraged, did not hold back either. Taking to Instagram, Shange made it clear that their family’s grief should not be disrespected.
“There are lines that should never be crossed, and one of them is speaking on the loss of someone’s child with disrespect and ignorance,” he wrote.
Shange went on to demand accountability: “@tolassmothegamer, the comment you made about my wife and my son’s passing is beyond hurtful—it’s reckless and inhumane. My wife, as a mother, has been carrying unimaginable pain every single day since Monde Junior left us. To suggest that her work as a traditional healer had anything to do with his passing is not only false but deeply offensive.”
He concluded with a plea for respect: “No grieving parent should have to endure baseless accusations while trying to heal. Respect our loss. Respect my wife @gogo_skhotheni. And most importantly, respect Monde Junior’s memory.”
As backlash mounted, Tol A$$ Mo quickly shifted gears. He initially posted—and later deleted—a video of himself preaching in church, but ultimately, he issued a written apology, acknowledging the insensitivity of his words.
“I want to take a moment to sincerely apologise for my words. In the heat of the moment, I spoke without truly understanding the depth of pain that comes with losing a child,” he admitted.
Realising the gravity of his mistake, he continued, “I realise now how insensitive my words may have been, and I deeply regret any hurt I may have caused. Loss is something no one should have to experience, and I can’t begin to imagine the pain of those who have. I take full accountability for my words, and I am truly sorry.”
In an unexpected move, Tol A$$ Mo even vowed to forgo celebrating his 39th birthday until Gogo Skhotheni forgave him, expressing his hope for reconciliation. Hectic!
Main Image: TimesLIVE
