P/1 In light of our recent story line in which Fikani and Alexa share a kiss:
— 7de Laan (@Real7deLaan) January 22, 2019
As much as we respect our viewers’ right to voice their opinion, 7de Laan will not tolerate hate speech, racism or instigation of such narratives by any member of the public or media.
P/2 We stand by our diverse story lines that tell stories of a real South Africa in which we all strive to live harmoniously.
— 7de Laan (@Real7deLaan) January 22, 2019
Inter-racial relationships are prevalent and 7de Laan is focused on putting the real South Africa on Television.
P/3 It is our responsibility to show that art emulates life and in so doing 7de Laan shows the normality of the fact that love knows no age, gender or race.
— 7de Laan (@Real7deLaan) January 22, 2019
P/4 We love and appreciate all our viewers, fans and followers. Thank you for your unyielding support over the past 18- soon to be 19 years.
— 7de Laan (@Real7deLaan) January 22, 2019
End.
This is not the first time 7de Laan has been involved in racial drama. A few years ago, Enhle Mbali Maphumulo was part of the cast. During an interview on Real Talk with Anele, she shared that she had experience racism on the set of the Afrikaans soapie.
She said on the show: "It's really painful. I heard that someone said Bernard is gonna lose viewership now that he's kissed a black girl. I was like, is black a disease? I don't think people understand what being black is. A simple statement like that shoots really deep. And for me it shot very deep and it was really painful..."
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Main image credit: Twitter/@real7delaan