Gayton McKenzie Slams Open Chats Podcast Over Racist Remarks: “We’re Going After Them”

Gayton McKenzie to Open Chats Podcast: “We’re Coming for You”

A social media firestorm erupted after a now-deleted episode of the Open Chats Podcast featured shocking racist remarks targeting South Africa’s coloured community. The backlash reached the government level, with Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture Gayton McKenzie confirming plans for legal action against the podcast and its hosts.

In a viral video, McKenzie, who also leads the Patriotic Alliance (PA), slammed the comments as “disgusting and dehumanising.” He warned that his party’s legal team was already preparing a case, declaring, “We’re going after them legally. This won’t be swept under the rug.”

What Sparked the Outrage?

The controversial clip, which spread rapidly on X and TikTok, included vile stereotypes about the coloured community, including baseless claims about incest and calling the group “crazy.” Many South Africans, particularly coloured citizens, condemned the remarks as deeply offensive and retraumatising.

McKenzie accused society of hypocrisy, stating, “If coloured people said this about any other race, it would dominate headlines for weeks. We cannot let anyone think this kind of disrespect is acceptable.”

@gaytonmckHulle raak ons sleg gewoomd♬ original sound – Gayton

Political and Public Backlash

The outrage extended beyond social media. PA councillor Liam Jacobs called the podcasters’ comments “painful and ignorant,” urging them to “educate yourselves instead of using us as a punchline.”

The Democratic Alliance (DA) escalated the matter by filing a formal complaint with the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC). While acknowledging the podcast’s apology, the DA stressed, “Hate speech violates human dignity. Free speech does not include the right to degrade others.”

Civil society group Cape Forum also weighed in, demanding accountability: “This rhetoric is harmful and must be met with consequences.”

@izaiahcarelse1 Gayton McKenzie says this is where we draw the line ‼️ open chats podcast #fyp #fypシ゚ ♬ original sound – Izaiah Carelse

Podcast Issues Apology, But Is It Enough?

Under mounting pressure, the Open Chats Podcast issued a public apology, claiming they “never intended harm” and had removed the offensive episode.

“We aim for open discussions but recognise the need for greater sensitivity,” the statement read.

While some accepted the apology, others argued it was insufficient without tangible accountability.

Bigger Questions: Race, Respect, and Responsibility

The scandal has reignited debates about racial insensitivity in South African media, particularly in loosely regulated spaces like podcasts. Critics argue that creators must understand the real-world impact of their words.

For McKenzie and many others, this isn’t just about one podcast. It’s about ensuring respect for all communities remains non-negotiable.

Also read: Gayton McKenzie to Take Legal Action Over Offensive Open Chats Podcast Clip

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Source: The Citizen

Featured Image: EWN