Multi-talented South African singer and actress has taken to social media to open up about an incident where she had her personal boundaries violated by her co-star on set.
This came on the back of a controversial “Skeem Saam” storyline, along similar lines, which had sparked an online debate.
Nokwe-Mseleku wrote a detailed post about what she endured during the filming of a scene in a “recent project”, where her character was a victim of rape.
In the letter, she also indicated that she has opened a case against her co-star, who is not named at this stage.
“The incident took place on set during a typical night of filming, where most of us expected professionalism and respect.
“The parties involved, clearly understood the sensitivity of the scene and we had extensively discussed and reaffirmed the physical, emotional and psychological boundaries in place, as well as precautionary measures and aftercare to ensure the safety and wellness of both actors performing the scene as well as the crew,” she wrote.
However, she said that she felt “uncomfortable and unsafe” due to actions that crossed her personal boundaries.
“My physical and psychological boundaries were: no simulation of the act of rape. Under no circumstances is my co-star to thrust his pelvis into mine ... I had requested to be taken to therapy upon completion of my role.
“It is unfortunate that my co-star violated physical boundaries, emotional as well as psychological too ... after my co-star came out of the frame and he took it upon himself to thrust his pelvis into mine.”
Nokwe-Mseleku said that her co-star told her to “consider taking it (the scene) further”.
“Just before the close-up, my co-star tried to negotiate the perimeters ... ‘It’s a big moment, maybe you want to consider it. Give a little flinch, take it further’. I ask him, ‘What do you mean consider it? ... I’m not comfortable with you thrusting me’. He says, ‘Okay, but just consider it’.
She went on to share that management initially acknowledged the incident and promised her that there would be a mediation and a written apology.
“These promises were followed by silence, leaving the issue unresolved,” she said.
Eventually, a mediation was held and Nokwe-Mseleku claimed that it was met with “hostility, gaslighting and intimidation, ultimately leading to inaction”.
“This situation reflects broader challenges within our industry and country and highlights the importance of addressing these issues to preserve our collective humanity.
“A new day is coming in South Africa. I’m so happy we’re having these dialogues. We are all going to learn. We are all going to be sensitised.
“We are all going to heal. But for now, we share our stories, we debate, we educate, we assert as an act of transformation and protection of all our human rights and dignities,” she wrote.
She ended by saying that she was redirected to five police stations before opening a case.
“If you’re wondering ... I opened a case. Was redirected to five police stations, which luckily, all clearly understood where the violation occurred.
“Except for one, my investigative officer who did not even understand the definition of sexual assault and debated that the one on the SAPS government website was ‘too vague’.
“That sexual assault can only happen ‘by the hands’. To clarify, that definition is ALL encompassing.”
Read the full letter below.
A few fans said that they recognised the character from Showmax’s “Red Ink”.
Others took to the comments to offer the star messages of comfort and support.
“I recognise the character you played was on ‘Red Ink’. Askies Nirvana 🫂🤍,” wrote @_yoli.s.
Andy Maqondwana wrote: “I know its not easy to speak up, but know you don’t stand alone❤️🙏🏾.”
Teresa Milewski commented: “I’m so sorry you went through this! I’m so grateful & proud that you shared this experience!”
Mayibongwe Khuboni Maseko said: “You are very strong, your experience will surely change the status quo. Am sorry.”