Culture Craze
Enhle Mbali faces backlash after ‘k-word hare’ apology falls flat
A celebration turned sour
What was meant to be a celebratory launch for Enhle Mbali as Carlton Hair’s first celebrity ambassador took an unexpected turn. In her speech at the event, the actress and entrepreneur used the phrase “k-word hare” to describe her hair, a remark that quickly spread online and ignited outrage.
The video clip went viral within hours, with many South Africans condemning her use of the racial slur. For many, the word carries too much painful history to ever be normalised, no matter the context.
So Enhle Mbali felt it was okay to refer to her coarse-textured hair as “k*ffir hare” in front of white and coloured women? Yho. pic.twitter.com/eywrv0qmpY
demz 🎀 (@_dem_gem) September 11, 2025
A public apology that fell flat
Faced with the growing backlash, Mbali posted an apology video on Instagram. She described herself as a Black South African woman who had no intention of offending anyone, explaining that the word was used casually in her childhood environment as a way of reclaiming it. She also shared personal photos, hoping to show sincerity.
Her Instagram story, which was later deleted but captured in screenshots, went further. In it, she compared the “k-word” to the N-word, suggesting she believed both had been reinterpreted in some circles. She admitted this was “a great mistake” on her part.
Despite her efforts, many South Africans felt her apology missed the mark. Commenters accused her of failing to understand the deep harm tied to the word and suggested her response came across as defensive rather than reflective.
View this post on Instagram
Voices of disapproval
Cultural commentator Lebo Lion was among those who challenged Mbali’s explanation. On TikTok, she stressed that the k-word was designed to cause harm and could never be stripped of its history. “By virtue of using it, you’re subscribing to the idea that you were using it maliciously,” she said.
Other users expressed disappointment that someone of Mbali’s influence would use such language publicly. One TikToker argued that at 37 years old, she should have known better, especially when speaking in front of audiences who often carry negative stereotypes about Black women’s hair.
@lebolion_sa Enhle Mbali Carlton Hair #kword #enhlembali #carltonhairsa #africanhair #4chair ♬ original sound – Lebo Lion |Marketing & Reviews
@highdensityafro Apparently #carltonhairsa is already reconsidering the partnership with #enhlembali 👀 #satiktok🇿🇦 #naturalhairtiktok #fyp ♬ original sound – Disebo
Carlton Hair distances itself
The fallout has not been limited to social media. Carlton Hair issued a statement confirming that all promotional content with Mbali has been paused. The company said it would review its ambassador guidelines and prioritise working with individuals who champion inclusivity and cultural pride.
For Mbali, the incident has turned what should have been a career milestone into a public relations storm. Her apology, while heartfelt to some, has highlighted how words carry weight far beyond intention, especially in South Africa’s fraught cultural landscape.
Also read: Enhle Mbali on K-Word Hair Comment: No Regrets
Follow Joburg ETC on Facebook, Twitter, TikT
For more News in Johannesburg, visit joburgetc.com
Source: IOL
Featured Image: Bona Magazine
