Gareth Cliff recently stirred up a significant amount of controversy with his remarks about the divorce of Rachel and Siya Kolisi.
His comments have sparked a wave of criticism, particularly for bringing race into the discussion of their separation.
A Podcast Conversation
During an episode of The Gareth Cliff Show, Cliff engaged in a conversation with author Sunil Osman, where he expressed his heartbreak over the couple’s split.
His tone suggested genuine concern, but the direction of his comments quickly drew attention.
“I am heartbroken for Siya and Rachel Kolisi, weeahhh,” he lamented, before turning the discussion to the implications of their divorce on the community.
Comments on Community Impact
When Osman questioned his feelings about the divorce, Cliff made a surprising statement: “I’m more upset for the coloured community.”
This remark raised eyebrows, as many listeners felt it diverted attention from the personal aspects of the couple’s breakup.
Cliff continued, revealing that he had only recently learned about Rachel Kolisi’s racial background, saying, “It took me a long time to even realize that because I don’t pay attention to sports… I thought Rachel was black for a long time until I saw a picture of her.”
His admission has led many to wonder about his understanding of the public figures he discusses.
Public Scrutiny
Expressing sympathy for both Rachel and Siya, Cliff commented, “I feel kind of sorry for Rachel and Siya just because they are in the public eye and now everybody is going to want to know what happened.”
His sentiment hints at the relentless scrutiny celebrities face, especially during personal crises.
Osman added a light-hearted joke about arranged marriages, suggesting that the Kolisis might still be together if theirs had been arranged.
Cliff humorously responded, “Maybe hey, that’s what we have learned, go get your marriage arranged and then it will last.”
Reactions from the Public
The backlash to Cliff’s comments was swift. One Twitter user, @lee09_26, remarked, “It has nothing to do with black and white here. I don’t even know why that needed to be included.”
Another user, @carlyviolinist, chimed in with, “Sorry but you really have to be living under some rock to miss the culture of Siya’s wife, never mind being a South African public figure.”
The incident raises important questions about race, identity, and the nature of public discussions surrounding personal matters.
What’s next for Gareth Cliff and his commentary style remains to be seen.