Happy Simelane, better known as Her Majesty on 'The Mommy Club', has publicly addressed the growing concerns surrounding bullying on the show.
Image: X/@Jabu_Macdonald
Reality star and entrepreneur Happy Simelane, better known as Her Majesty on "The Mommy Club" season 3, has publicly addressed the growing concerns surrounding bullying on the show.
In recent weeks, viewers have been vocal about what they perceive as toxic behaviour among some of the cast members, with a particular focus on how fellow star Nokisie has been treated by the group.
"The Mommy Club" has always been a whirlwind of drama, but recent episodes have raised serious questions about the nature of the conflicts being portrayed.
Some fans have pointed to the treatment of Nokisie, who has found herself at the centre of mounting tensions within the group.
As the show often highlights, reality TV tends to amplify emotional confrontations, but fans are increasingly concerned that the atmosphere is more toxic than entertaining.
Her Majesty, a returning cast member, has been under fire for her part in the ongoing tensions. One viewer even described the group as a “bunch of vile, rude, and nasty ladies,” reflecting the growing frustration of the show's audience.
The public backlash intensified after the latest episode, where viewers questioned why the production team appeared to allow bullying to unfold on-screen without intervention.
In response to the criticism, Her Majesty acknowledged the concerns raised by fans and clarified her position on the matter through a statement via her agency.
“We would like to acknowledge the concerns raised by fans and viewers regarding Happy’s behaviour on 'The Mommy Club'. Happy takes full responsibility for her actions and deeply regrets any hurt or disappointment she may have caused,” the statement read.
“As someone who values respect and integrity, Happy wants to make it clear that she does not condone bullying in any form. While reality television often amplifies emotions and conflicts, she recognises that her words and actions have an impact.
"Upon reflection, she understands the importance of handling disagreements with grace and maturity and is committed to learning from this experience.”
While reality shows are often known for their heated confrontations, the question remains: When do the conflicts cross the line from entertaining to harmful?
Her Majesty's response reflects a growing awareness around the fine line, particularly as the public’s expectations evolve.
In many cases, these moments are not only tolerated but encouraged, as they generate buzz and attract attention.
A 2019 report by "The Guardian" noted that bullying has increasingly become a central theme in many reality series, often leading to explosive, headline-grabbing moments that keep audiences coming back for more.
The drama and conflicts fuel the show's narrative, ensuring that viewers stay engaged and invested in the storylines.
After all, the more volatile the interactions, the higher the ratings - especially when it involves shocking behaviour or public arguments.
In "The Real Housewives" franchise, for example, viewers are familiar with the recurring feuds, verbal attacks, and sometimes physical confrontations that have become almost expected from the cast members.
These conflicts, whether scripted or real, often paint a picture of glamorous women caught in petty rivalries and intense drama
However, it’s crucial to note that while these moments are marketed as "reality," they frequently play out within a structured environment designed to provoke certain reactions.
Producers understand the power of controversy, and it is often exploited to create viral moments that boost ratings and conversation.
Similarly, in "Love & Hip Hop", which has often been accused of encouraging bullying behaviour, the cast members’ disputes and fights have been integral to the show's success.
The portrayal of cliques and rivalries, along with the portrayal of bullying, is a strategy that aligns with the concept of "bad girls" and "villains", which many viewers are drawn to.
The sensationalism around these characters’ toxic behaviour brings in the views, making them more appealing to networks looking for high-impact TV moments.