Reality star and Skhothane Material Don Dada, real name Tshepo Pitso, is currently in a legal battle with clothing brand DMD for allegedly using his designs without his permission. Dada, who is known for his stylish and flamboyant fashion sense, had signed a two-year contract with DMD to design and promote the brand's clothing range, however, after the contract ended, he claims that DMD continued using his designs without paying him any royalties or seeking his consent.

EXPOSED ON SOCIAL MEDIA

Dada took to social media to voice his concerns, stating that he was disappointed with the way the brand treated him and that he would not stand for his designs being used without his permission. He also urged his followers to boycott DMD's clothing range until the matter was resolved. "I want people to know how you have been exploiting black talent just because you have money and access. You have no rights to be using my designs two years after our contract ended," he said. 

UNSTOPPABLE 

Dada said he was not going to stop fighting and using his platform to expose the fashion brand. He added that gone are the days where young creatives used to be used by big companies. He said he was alerted by friends but had no idea what they were talking about. "I started monitoring their page and asked few people to go buy. I was shocked to learn that they were using my designs still - our initial deal was two years. Now they must pay," he said. "Nowadays, we have too many platforms to vent out - I want them to pay each and every cent they owe me, dating from when my contract ended," he said. According to the source Dala's range did well for the brand hence they could not discontinue it. "I know my range did well for them - now they my pay for my intellectual property."

DENYING THE ALLEGATIONS

Responding to Dada's allegation on social media, the brand said, " In regard to recent defamatory allegations made by Tshepo Pitso aka "Material Don Dada", we deny the allegations to be both false and defamatory. Valid legal claims should be dealt with via the appropriate channels as provided by the South African legal system. With regard to any valid legal claim being made against us, we reserve our right to respond at the appropriate time and manner,"