Actor Bonko Khoza has come out to deny the sexual violation accusations levelled against him by co-star Nirvana Nokwe-Mseleku.
Nirvana claims Khoza allegedly violated her sexually while the two were filming a scene for Netflix series “Red Ink” back in September 2023. Nirvana further claimed that Khoza was aware of his conduct and admitted to have gotten carried away while filming.
Khoza has now released a lengthy statement detailing the incident from his view. He admits that Nirvana was left distraught after what he did on set, but claims it was scripted and rehearsed and he was just doing his job.
What has a lot of fans up in arms is the fact that on paragraph nine of his statement, he claims that this is not the first time Nirvana has accused a co-star of sexual violation, thus trying to throw her experience under the bus.
Read the full statement below:
1. I wish to address the allegations recently circulated by Ms. Nirvana NokweMseleku regarding an incident said to have occurred during the filming of Red Ink on 10 September 2023.
2. I believe the allegations raised by Ms NokweMseleku are serious and must always be treated with the serious nature they deserve, not only for Ms NokweMseleku’s sake but for victims of sexual assault in and out of the film and tv industry. I stand by victims of sexual assault, however, deny that I sexually assaulted, thrusted upon or committed any misconduct in respect of Ms.
NokweMseleku and the production.
3. The incident pertains to a fully clothed violent stunt scene, which was discussed beforehand, choreographed and rehearsed with Ms. NokweMseleku, director of photography, the director and stunt-coordinator. In addition, prior to the scene being shot, a stunt double was offered for Ms NokweMseleku which she declined. Every action I performed on set that night was strictly in line with the script, the choreography agreed upon with the directors and stunt coordinator, and under the supervision of senior production personnel.
4. On the night in question, more than 12 crew members were present on set, including the director, script supervisor, lighting technician, stunt coordinator, producer, and sound and camera teams. At no point did any of these professionals observe or report any behaviour resembling the allegations now being made.
5. Because of the seriousness of the accusation, I requested and attended a meeting with the production team, together with my agent the following day. The aim of the meeting was to raise my concerns and to ensure the matter was handled properly and respectfully. Notwithstanding this, I requested that a follow-up meeting be held to clarify what happened and agree on a way forward with a broader group of representatives.
6. In this regard, on 30 November 2023, representatives from Red Ink Productions, MNET, SWIFT, senior crew members, and both mine and Ms. NokweMseleku’s respective agents viewed the unedited material. All parties confirmed that no thrusting, sexual misconduct, or criminal behaviour occurred. The footage simply did not support the allegation.
7. Following this, I assumed that this matter was put to rest. However, in May 2024, I was informed that Ms. Nokweseleku opened a criminal case against me with the South African Police Service. On 21 May 2024, I was interviewed by the investigating officers at the Braamfontein Police Station, I also provided a sworn statement to the events of 10 September 2023 and subsequent interventions. I became aware early last year that the police investigated the matter and after considering the facts, the authorities did not prosecute the matter.
8. Throughout this process, I have genuinely tried to approach the situation with compassion. I have made every effort to understand the basis for Ms. NokweMseleku’s allegations, even when they were deeply hurtful and unfounded. I recognise that she may be expressing distress about broader industry pressures, and I have tried to hold space for that possibility. But this attempt at understanding has come at a significant personal cost not only to me.
9. The concerns raised by Ms. NokweMseleku deserve proper attention, more so knowing that we live in a society that is plagued by sexual violence. I do not take that context lightly. However, these important issues cannot be advanced by placing false accusations at my feet. I am aware that similar allegations have been made by Ms. NokweMseleku against other actors and cast members in unrelated productions, and the pattern is deeply troubling.
10. I believe that every performer has the right to raise concerns about their working environment. That right is important. But it is equally important that such concerns are directed to the correct structures and not unfairly projected onto individuals who have done nothing wrong.
Image: @bonkokhoza/Instagram/@nspcs.rsa/Instagram
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