Felix Hlophe issues apology after suspension over viral confrontation with wife
Felix Hlophe, Gagasi FM's radio presenter has issued an apology after being given a temporary break from air.
Image: Supplied
In a heartfelt confession, South African comedian and radio presenter Felix Hlophe has taken to social media to acknowledge his mistakes following a widely publicised verbal altercation with his wife, Tracy Smith-Hlophe.
The incident, which involved videos circulating online that showcased the confrontation, has led Gagasi FM to temporarily suspend Hlophe from his duties.
In his Instagram stories, Hlophe openly expressed his remorse, stating, “I messed up. Ngiyazisola (I regret). I’ll do better. Ngicela uxolo (Please forgive me). Ey, kuningi (It’s a lot).”
The sincerity of his words resonated as he admitted to feeling profound embarrassment and shame over the situation.
“Nginamahloni (I’m embarrassed). Ngiyaxolisa, kunina nonke (I apologise to everyone). I doubt I’ll ever be able to face you. Ngiphelelwe umhlaba (I’m ashamed),” he added, reflecting the depth of his contrition.
Felix Hlophe took to his Instagram stories and issued an apology.
Image: Instagram
On December 29, Gagasi FM issued an official statement regarding the situation, announcing that Hlophe would be on break for an undisclosed period.
“Felix Hlophe, host of The Uprising, will be given time off air for the coming week.
This will allow the station to further assess the situation being reported on social media and in various publications and to give Felix the space to attend to personal matters requiring his attention,” it read.
The statement also revealed that following this interim break, Hlophe would proceed on scheduled leave for an additional two weeks, with his expected return set for January 19, 2026.
In the meantime, fellow presenter Heazy will host The Uprising, while other shows continue with guest presenters.
Previously, Hlophe revealed that the emotional turmoil during the clash escalated tensions but strongly emphasised that there was no physical violence.
"During this interaction, emotions ran high on all sides, and an unfortunate confrontation took place, but there was no physical violence," he clarified.
He also asserted that the circulating video clips do not encapsulate the entire context of the encounter, suggesting that they offer only a limited perspective of the incident.
This incident has ignited discussions about public figures and their personal lives, alongside the responsibilities that accompany celebrity status.
A petition to get Hlophe removed from his job at the station was created on Sunday, December 28, following the Christmas Eve incident.