Media personality Pearl Thusi continues to face criticism over her tribute on Caught in the Crossfire at the memorial of her close friend and media colleague Warrick Stock, better known as DJ Warras. Her anecdote at the service sparked controversy and drew widespread reactions online.
This follows the death of DJ Warras, who was shot and killed in Johannesburg’s CBD on December 16. His passing sent shockwaves through South Africa’s entertainment industry, adding another name to the growing list of violent losses.
At his memorial on December 19, Thusi shared a personal anecdote meant to honour their bond: a moment after a show in Cape Town when they shared a hotel room so Warras would not miss an early flight.
“He insisted we stay in the same room. He said we are going to put down pillows [between us] and said, ‘I just need a cuddle.’”
She continued, “I was worried about what people would think of me, but that’s not what’s happening. We’re literally brother and sister. And we did sleep and cuddle, and the pillows were there. He said, ‘Thank you, my friend; I really appreciate it.’”
The personal story drew immediate criticism online, with social media users expressing outrage. Norma Mansoor, mother and manager of Chad Da Don, publicly called out Thusi, accusing her of being insensitive to DJ Warras’s children and baby mamas:
"I'm so, so sorry you had to hear this pathetic speech at his memorial. I'm so disgusted by Pearl and how she tried to make this about her. What she was trying to prove, only she would know…This time, Pearl, you went too far."
In response to the backlash, Thusi took to X, visibly hurt, stating, “People are really cruel here. Really cruel. And I want to say your words hurt.”
She added, “I hope we can put as much effort into saying hurtful things about me as into finding a way to change things so we can have a safer country.”
Pearl Thusi later addressed the criticism further, expressing regret over how her words were received: “I am sorry that my vulnerability in that moment that it offended so many of you. I forgot that it’s not only people who knew Warras who’d be there. If we could now move on to something more important that could make a real difference to the situation.”
She acknowledged that her emotional openness had unintentionally upset some attendees and urged the public to focus on meaningful actions moving forward.
Despite her apology, netizens continued to criticise Thusi. @KagiSpeaks wrote: “It's important to prepare your speech and run it past someone you trust for their honest opinion. Freestyling at a funeral/memorial/wedding can backfire like it did in your scenario. We need to understand that our friends come from conservative families that don't really need the extra info about what went down away from home. Read the room.”
Other social media users shared similar concerns. @samanthamoyo79 said: “You literally looked at his kids and told them you cuddled all night with their father while their mother was also there...but Pearl what fuckery is that? Now you call us cruel...no no, do better.”
Meanwhile, @tjubistar added: “A memorial is meant to honour the person who passed and the people closest to them. Introducing personal physical details there felt inappropriate and understandably hurtful to many. This isn’t about attacking you, it’s about respect, boundaries, and keeping the focus on Warras and his loved ones.”
The Star