Idols SA judge Gareth Cliff is suing M-Net for R25-Million following his dismissal over comments he made about the Penny Sparrow race saga.

The controversial radio presenter was dismissed by M-Net earlier this month after he suggested in a tweet that people who made racist comments could not be criminally charged as it would be considered freedom of speech.

His comments came at a time when South Africans were reeling over a racist post by KwaZulu-Natal resident, Penny Sparrow, who referred to black beachgoers as “monkeys”.

Gareth admitted that his timing was wrong, but insisted he was not racist.

READ: Gareth Cliff is not fighting with Fikile Mbalula

While some came to the DJ’s defence, many accused him of being racist and called for M-Net to give him the chop.

And that is exactly what the broadcaster did on January 8, 2015. 

Gareth’s lawyer told eNCA that his client was wrongfully dismissed, and is also suing for defamation of character.

M-Net spokesperson Nondumiso Mabece told ZAlebs: "Our senior management are meeting to discuss this matter. We are unable to comment at this stage."

Image credit: M-Net