JOHANNESBURG — South African music executive, cultural commentator, and podcast host Nota Baloyi has spoken out about the fear, confusion, and reputational fallout he experienced after the United States revoked his visa following a controversial social media post about American political commentator Charlie Kirk.
The outspoken music executive — whose full name is Nhlamulo Baloyi — addressed the incident in a candid interview with Al Jazeera, explaining that his tweet about Kirk was neither celebratory nor disrespectful but was nonetheless cited by U.S. authorities as the reason for the visa cancellation.
In his interview, Nota Baloyi said he was shocked to learn that one of his tweets had been classified as “offensive” by the U.S. government. According to Baloyi, the post in question referenced the death of Charlie Kirk, a right-wing U.S. influencer and founder of Turning Point USA, but did not contain any harmful or derogatory language.
“The reason why my visa was revoked was because of a cited Charlie Kirk post,” Baloyi explained. “One of my tweets, which was neither insulting nor demeaning about his death or the circumstances surrounding it, was cited as an offending tweet.”
Baloyi said the decision left him “surprised and deeply concerned,” particularly because he had not intended the post to be interpreted as disrespectful or inflammatory.
Following the revocation, he deleted the tweet out of fear for his safety. “I was perturbed that that was the reason why,” he said. “But I was also very concerned for my personal safety, and thus, I quickly moved to delete the quoted tweet. It was out of fear for the attacks that I pre-empted or saw coming.”
Nota Baloyi Issues an Apology Amid Backlash
After realizing the extent of the backlash his tweet had caused, Nota Baloyi issued a public apology, clarifying that he never intended to mock or celebrate anyone’s death.
“In my apology, I did say that if there are those who feel my tweet was insensitive or ill-timed, I do unconditionally apologise,” he stated. “Other than that, it was neither offensive, insulting, nor mocking his death.”
The apology, however, did little to prevent the U.S. from revoking his visa, a move Baloyi described as extreme and unjustified.
Observers noted that the U.S. decision came during a broader crackdown on online commentary related to Charlie Kirk’s death, which the Trump administration reportedly viewed as “disrespectful.” According to reports, at least six individuals had their visas revoked over similar online activity.
For Nota Baloyi, the repercussions of the incident extended far beyond losing access to the United States. The entrepreneur and industry figure says the situation has severely damaged his professional image and personal brand — both crucial in the entertainment and media sectors.
“I have been cited as someone who has made a mockery of a death, which is something that I would not do,” Baloyi said. “And the reputational damage that they’ve done will hamper my future career prospects, as I do depend on having a good reputation in the entertainment business.”
Baloyi, who has built a career as one of South Africa’s most outspoken cultural voices, said the incident has made him more cautious about what he posts online. He emphasized that while he values freedom of speech, the consequences of public commentary have become increasingly severe in the age of digital scrutiny.
During his interview, Nota Baloyi admitted that the ordeal left him fearful and uncertain about his safety. Having often found himself at the center of online controversy, he said this particular experience felt different — more personal and potentially dangerous.
“I felt targeted,” he explained. “I was genuinely afraid that people might misinterpret my tweet and come after me online or even in person. The internet is a powerful space — what you say can easily be twisted or weaponized.”
The South African podcaster also discussed how easily misinformation spreads, saying that once a false narrative takes hold, it becomes almost impossible to correct. “You can clarify your intentions a hundred times, but once people believe you meant harm, it sticks,” he said.
Following the visa revocation, Nota Baloyi’s name trended across multiple social media platforms in both South Africa and the United States. Opinions were divided — some defended him, arguing that the punishment was disproportionate, while others said public figures must be more cautious about how they comment on sensitive issues like death.
Media outlets and entertainment blogs picked up the story, reigniting debates around freedom of speech, cancel culture, and the blurred lines between personal opinion and public responsibility in the digital era.
For Nota Baloyi, the situation has been both a learning experience and a sobering reminder of how fragile one’s reputation can be in the age of viral communication.
Despite the controversy, Nota Baloyi remains active in South Africa’s entertainment scene. Known for his unfiltered opinions on music, politics, and culture, he continues to host podcasts and engage in public discourse — though with a renewed sense of caution.
While he has expressed hope that the U.S. will reconsider its decision, Baloyi says his focus now is on rebuilding his image and reinforcing his commitment to honest, respectful commentary.
“I’ve learned that intent doesn’t always matter online — perception does,” he said. “All I can do now is continue speaking truthfully, but with more mindfulness.”
The Nota Baloyi visa incident has not only stirred debate about censorship and accountability but also highlighted how one tweet can reshape a public figure’s career overnight — for better or worse.
Source- Fakaza