One of Mzansi's biggest social media influencers and YouTuber Mihlali Ndamase has apologised to the LGBTQIA+ community. This is after she stirred up fresh drama on Sunday during an Instagram Live session by referring to her ex-boyfriend, Leeroy Sidambe, as an After 9, which is considered a homophobic slur.

HOMOPHOBIC SLUR

The drama comes after their highly publicised breakup, to which she also alluded to allegations of physical assault. Ndamase also shared images of her bruised face on Instagram during one of her live sessions last month, claiming GBV. But Sidambe did not let the allegations slide. In response, he issued a statement denying the assault and claiming that Ndamase tried calling him 78 times while under the influence of an 'unnamed substance', went to his house and tried to stab him and got injured in the process. This week, upon realising that she rubbed many people the wrong way, Ndamase issued an apology for her wrong choice of words when she used the term after 9.

HEARTFELT APOLOGY 

In her statement, Ndamase acknowledged that she was wrong by using the derogatory term. "I would like to apologise to the LGBTQIA+ family," she said. Ndamase, who is always surrounded by her gay friends, including radio and TV personality Somizi Mhlongo, said her intentions were not to degrade nor insult anyone. "My intention was not to harm or offend you with the phrases used during my live," she said. She also admitted that most of her supporters are members of LGBTQIA+. "I acknowledge that a significant portion of my support comes from the LGBTQIA+ community, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the love and support you have shown me since the beginning of my career," she added.

CAREER THREATENING 

According to a source close to the situation, Ndamase was forced to apologise because people were up in arms and her inbox was buzzing with negative comments from the LGBTQIA+ community, with some threatening to cancel her. "She was advised to issue an apology before many brands became aware and the situation was escalated," added the source. Another source said Ndamase's intentions were not to look down upon anyone, but it was a simple mistake and poor judgement from her side. When reached for comment, she said: "Please use my statement as my comment."