"These Allegations Are Categorically False"- David Tlale Denies Rape Allegations Levelled Against Him

The designer has finally broken his silence after being mum over the allegations

By  | Nov 08, 2022, 10:01 AM  | David Tlale  | Drama

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Renowned South African designer David Tlale, has denied the damning rape allegations levelled against him by a former fashion aspirant Zack.

Read More: David Tlale Faces Serious Allegations Of Se*ual Abuse

Zack, who worked with Tlale at African Fashion International (AFI) three years ago, detailed on Instagram over the week how he was allegedly sexually violated and exploited by the designer.

According to The South African, Tlale who has been mum over the allegations on social media, has finally broken his silence. The designer has denied the allegations and said they are false and only seek to tarnish his reputation

“Some very serious and quite damning allegations levelled against me and my professional brand have surfaced over the weekend. These allegations are categorically false and only seek to cause me serious harm and also seek to undermine the lived experiences of those who are real victims of sexual assault of any nature,” said Tlale.

“While I consult with my internal team of experts on this matter, this shall be the first and only comment on this issue until I am advised otherwise,” he continued.

Tlale has also shared a Bible scripture on his Instagram stories.

Tlale allegedly drugged and sexually abused Zack under the guise of being a mentor to him. “I was charmed and inspired by him. A role model to me at the time, and to cut the long story short, he drugged and sexually abused me. He then exploited me for my skills during the pandemic,” Zack claimed on his Instagram.

“He would ask I write him pressers, sponsorship proposals and other strategies/copy, promise to pay me — often in clothing — but wouldn’t actually. And when I’d remind him, he’d get defensive and gaslight me,” he continued.

"He later offered me a job as his PR & Comms Manager at my most vulnerable, I think two weeks out of rehab, unemployed – he played around my desperation for purpose, tricked me down 66% (I calculated) less than what both he and I knew I was worth at the time, gaslit me and lied to make me believe he had bigger plans for me in his brand, continued to use me, commented on my body and weight gains in the office during my most insecure days when I was literally gaining weight daily. A side effect from my depression medication and then he tried so hard to crush my self esteem and confidence,” Zack added. 

He has vowed never to work in the fashion industry again since his dream of making a name for himself was crushed. "I left his brand after 3 months working for him and swore never to work in the fashion media industry again. A passion and a vacation of mine."

"It took me almost 2 years to realised that I didn't deserve any of that. To fully understand that it was in fact sexual assault. That I was taken advantage of and just how pure my intentions were. I was young fragile. And since this realization I have been trying myself to an unhealthy sleeping routine and have told no one until my family this morning."

He then called out the South African media for reaching out to him for a comment about his allegations. ""F*ck the media reaching out. With love. I trust my own voice and truth. I don't need a platform. I want legal advisors talking to me. We're past giving you bylines. I'm coming heavy for that Tlale boy! If you want to help me its the legal route qha (only). "
A number of Twitter users reacted to the allegations, and some have claimed that there is double standard within the LGTBQI community in regards to rape allegations against celebrities.

Image Cred: Twitter

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