Would you publicly show support for a woman beater?
Would you defend a man accused of abusing a woman?
Would you make up your mind that he is innocent before a court ruled on the allegations?
No, you say?
Then why are so many thousands of people rallying behind Katlego Maboe?
Because he is famous?
Yes, we all love our celebrities, our TV stars, actors, musicians and performing artists.
We appreciate their talent, idol-worship them and put them on a social pedestal.
Katlego most certainly falls into that category.
He is a good-looking young outjie, smart, charismatic, charming and brimming with talent.
He can sing, dance, MC, make you laugh. For many, he’s a pleasure to watch when he comes on screen.
And by all accounts, he’s a nice guy too.
Ask anyone who’s had dealings with him - whether working on set or shmoozing at a function - they will tell you he’s a lekker bra.
On a professional and social level, he’s great.
However, on a personal level, where it comes to what happens behind closed doors, it’s obvious that alles issie oraait byrie huis’ie.
That much is evident after the video scandal broke involving his ex and mother of his child, Monique Muller.
Revelations of jolling, STDs, an unhappy family and even allegations of domestic violence.
Now, it’s important to examine these issues one by one.
Yes, it’s normal for couples to have problems and arguments. No harm, no foul.
But the affair and the vuilsiekte? Now it gets a bit nasty.
So he’s jolled on his girlfriend and child, he’s made mistakes and he’s admitted to it and apologised publicly.
Still, it’s normal for adults to cheat on their partners, isn’t it?
Not right, not nice, but normal. Not illegal either.
Judge him whichever way you like. Forgive him if you like.
Clearly, many fans have, because he’s Kat.
Monique, who isn’t famous on the other hand, doesn’t get the benefit of the doubt, and she’s been called all sorts of things from attention-seeker to gold-digger.
Meanwhile, Kat fans are beside themselves and miss his presence on TV.
A petition on Change.org called “Bring Back Katlego Maboe” has collected 62 000 signatures.
This after Kat was dropped by the Expresso Morning Show and Outsurance in the wake of the scandal.
The petition by Lindy KaMahlobo, reads: “Katlego Maboe is he not allowed to have a personal life? I am not condoning his behaviour of cheating on his partner but this young man is human after all and I feel this woman took their internal bedroom or home affairs to the outside world, which doesn’t concern us and it doesn’t concern his work as well.
“This young man deserves a chance because he was not drunk, abusing any woman or taking drugs in the eyes of the public.”
Erm, about that “abusing” part, Lindy?
Surely we can’t turn a blind eye to Monique’s claims that she got a protection order against Kat after a “physical attack”.
#Katlegomaboe estranged partner Monique Muller opens up for the first time - Full interview dropping soon on YouTube #MoniqueSpeaks #BingeNews pic.twitter.com/XJb3UCjawZ
— GoBinge (@GoBinge_) October 24, 2020
Of all the accusations thrown at him, this one is an actual crime. And a serious one at that.
We’re talking about gender-based violence here.
Are you guys sure that you’re OK with openly supporting a suspected woman beater?
Wouldn’t it be more sensible to shut up until the truth comes out?
Kat has said on the record, “I have never abused my partner”, but wouldn’t comment on the case.
Fair enough. Let the courts decide.