Ntsiki Mazwai Joins Backlash Over Pearl Thusi’s DJ Warras Memorial Speech
Poet, activist, and social commentator Ntsiki Mazwai has added her voice to the growing controversy surrounding Pearl Thusi’s memorial speech for the late DJ Warras, offering sharp commentary as public criticism of the actress continues to intensify online.
The controversy erupted after Pearl Thusi delivered a speech at DJ Warras’ memorial service, where she spoke openly about her relationship with the late DJ. While memorials are often emotional and personal, many social media users felt Pearl’s remarks shifted focus away from collective mourning and toward her own experiences. As a result, the actress quickly found herself at the centre of a heated online debate.
Critics accused the Queen Sono star of making the moment about herself, arguing that some of her comments were inappropriate given the solemn nature of the event and the presence of the DJ’s grieving family and friends. Although a number of supporters came to her defence, saying grief manifests differently for everyone, the backlash continued to grow.
The situation escalated further when Pearl mentioned during her speech that the late DJ had wanted to “cuddle” with her. That single remark ignited widespread outrage, with many social media users questioning the relevance and timing of such a statement at a memorial service. Memes, sarcastic comments, and heated debates soon flooded platforms such as X, turning the incident into a trending topic.
Ntsiki Mazwai Weighs In on Pearl Thusi Memorial Speech Backlash
Never one to shy away from public discourse, Ntsiki Mazwai quickly inserted herself into the conversation, delivering commentary that many described as cutting, sarcastic, and unmistakably on-brand. Known for her outspoken views on celebrity culture, accountability, and social behaviour, Mazwai’s reaction drew almost as much attention as the original controversy.
The poet responded to actor Siv Ngesi, who had publicly shown support for Pearl Thusi by posting a pink heart emoji on X. While Ngesi’s post was seen by some as a gesture of solidarity, it did not escape Mazwai’s notice. In a brief but pointed response, Ntsiki Mazwai wrote: “Application for cuddles.”
The short remark immediately caught fire online, with many interpreting it as a direct jab at both Pearl Thusi and Siv Ngesi amid the now-infamous “cuddles” discussion. Social media users were quick to weigh in, with some applauding Mazwai’s wit and others accusing her of adding fuel to an already sensitive situation.
Ntsiki Mazwai’s comment reignited debate around boundaries, public grief, and how celebrities choose to express themselves during moments of loss. Supporters of Mazwai argued that her response highlighted the discomfort many people felt about the memorial speech, using humour to call out what they viewed as inappropriate behaviour. Critics, however, felt that her sarcasm trivialised a moment of mourning and further escalated online hostility.
This is not the first time Ntsiki Mazwai has found herself trending for weighing in on a viral topic. Over the years, she has built a reputation as a fearless critic of celebrity culture, often challenging what she sees as performative behaviour and a lack of accountability among public figures. Her unapologetic approach has earned her both loyal supporters and vocal detractors.
The broader controversy has also sparked deeper conversations about how grief is shared in public spaces, especially when celebrities are involved. While some believe Pearl Thusi should be given grace to grieve in her own way, others insist that public platforms come with responsibility, particularly during events meant to honour the deceased.
As the debate continues, Ntsiki Mazwai’s involvement has ensured that the story remains firmly in the public eye. Her ability to distil complex social tensions into a single, provocative line demonstrates why her voice continues to resonate across South African social media.
Whether viewed as necessary commentary or unnecessary provocation, Ntsiki Mazwai’s response reflects the divided nature of public opinion surrounding the incident. What remains clear is that the intersection of celebrity, grief, and social media continues to be a volatile space — one where a single comment can spark days of debate.
As timelines continue to buzz and opinions remain sharply divided, the controversy serves as a reminder of how quickly moments of mourning can become public spectacles in the digital age. And with voices like Ntsiki Mazwai weighing in, the conversation shows no signs of slowing down anytime soon.
