After a video of a young Khanyi Mbau and journalist Debora Patta was shared on X, social media users couldn’t help but to respond to the media personality’s complexion prior to skin bleaching.
The video in question was shared by popular X user @ThisIsColbert.
Khanyi Mbau & Deborah Patta classic, heated conversation on eNCA?
“Quite frankly, I don’t want my kids to be like you,
You give motivational talks?, what possibly can I learn from you?”?Chris Brown Trevor Noah Xolani #HarryandMeghan Stage 10 Vaal Drake Supra iPhone 15 Venda pic.twitter.com/JdPnBei3ME
— YaseBlock B ?? (@ThisIsColbert) September 14, 2023
Seeing the old clip, social media users commented:
What a transformation from khanyi mbau https://t.co/dnph8laqof
— Chenge (@RRulph) September 14, 2023
OMG I’d forgot how the real Khanyi Mbau looks. https://t.co/9ye6Vvkv2w
— Self Proclaimed Prophetess (@nthabiseng_ms) September 14, 2023
I had no idea Khanyi Mbau was an OG Coco Queen. Colorism is a helluva drug.
— “Days Off” Out Now! (@ellebsings) September 14, 2023
Khanyi Mbau was beautiful with her dark skin here ?❤️ https://t.co/DhHLoPxape
— ??????????? (@MpoloMohafa_) September 14, 2023
According to TshisaLIVE, in 2020, Khanyi addressed comments regarding her decision to lighten her skin and what it means to be black.
“Being black doesn’t mean you have to look black. Being black is a state of being. Being black is a sense of spirit. Being black is a sense of how you think and how you see yourself but it doesn’t mean you have to look indigenous. Why are we living in a world that won’t allow us to explore and be who we want to be?”
She continued, “They may not be as honest and open as I am. Ninety percent of your celebrities lighten their skin. It is part of the game. Remember our game is different to your game … it is a culture. It is how we play. We don’t want to look ordinary because we do not live an ordinary lifestyle.”
