Award-winning musician Makhadzi has recently rubbed members of the deaf community off the wrong way, this comes after a recent video she posted on social media which received tons of backlash from some internet users.
The video posted shows the singer along with a fellow dancer preparing for a shoot of one of her music videos. While waiting for the cameras to start rolling, the 2024 BET award-winner later shows off a few dance moves, part of which included a bit of sign language.
This, however, was met with lots of criticism from those belonging to the deaf community.
Taking to Instagram a page known as @sign_language_official_za re-shared the video along with the caption expressing their disagreement.
“Using sign language to mock deaf people is unacceptable,” they wrote.
“Makhadzi, it’s time to learn about deaf culture and promote positivity and inclusivity. Let’s unite, not divide.”
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Meanwhile, Briefly News also received a statement concerning the matter which read:
“Makhadzi’s actions perpetuate negative stereotypes and ridicule the Deaf community, undermining efforts to bridge the gap between hearing and Deaf individuals. Sign language is a vital part of Deaf culture and identity, not a subject for mockery.”
Furthermore, not everyone felt that her actions were inappropriate, and while some called for the singer to be sued others came to her defence.
“A majority of South Africa can’t speak sign language and that’s not because of ignorance but because of a lack of exposure. This video is playful and should be taken as such. Like all of us Makhadzi would love to learn proper signs if given the chance, we need to stop taking everything so seriously,” wrote one user.
Another also shared a comment in defence of the singer.
“But she’s just playing? So, if she was speaking broken English would she need to be sued also? People can’t be silly anymore?”
Also see: Makhadzi sparks rekindled romance rumours with Master KG
