The Kiffness faces backlash: R500k deal lost over Charlie Kirk defence
David Scott has lost a major deal.
Image: Instagram
South African musician The Kiffness has never been shy to speak his mind, but this time it cost him big.
The artist, whose real name is David Scott, revealed on X that he just lost a R500,000 campaign after publicly defending American political commentator Charlie Kirk.
“Just lost a R500k campaign because I defended Charlie Kirk. Worth it to be honest,” he wrote, sharing a screenshot of an email from the agency that pulled the deal. The email stated that his “recent social media activity” posed a “reputational risk” to both the agency and its client.
When a follower urged him to “name and shame” the brand, The Kiffness responded that it was not about revenge.
“It was just to highlight how fickle brands are. If anything is deemed controversial, they’re gone, which is why you’ll hardly hear any celebrities with brand deals speak out on important issues, especially if they depend on brand deals,” he explained.
The Kiffness is no stranger to controversy.
Beyond his music, he frequently weighs in on politics, religion and cultural issues, often sparking heated debate.
His outspoken personality has won him a loyal following, but it has also made him a divisive figure.
Charlie Kirk, the man at the centre of this fallout, was an American right-wing activist and founder of Turning Point USA, whose strong conservative views often drew praise and criticism.
Charlie Kirk was assassinated during a debate.
Image: AFP
He was fatally shot in the neck on September 10, 2025, while answering questions during a campus event at Utah Valley University.
After the announcement of his death, the Kiffness tweeted: “Rest in peace @charliekirk11. Your death will not be in vain.”
This incident highlights the delicate balance public figures must maintain in the age of social media.
Brand partnerships are a major source of income for many celebrities and influencers, but those partnerships can vanish quickly if a personality is deemed too controversial.
The Kiffness’s loss has reignited discussion around cancel culture and corporate caution.
For some, his stance is proof that standing by your convictions is worth the cost.
For others, it’s a cautionary tale about how aligning with polarising figures can hurt a public career.
Whether you agree with him or not, The Kiffness’s R500k loss is a reminder that in today’s digital age, every tweet can carry a price tag.