Sexual Assault
By Lerato Mpembe
South African singer Amanda Black has firmly denied circulating rumors alleging that fellow musician Sjava sexually assaulted her. Taking to her official social media platforms, Amanda addressed the unfounded claims, stating:
“Hi everyone, Sjava did not sexually assault me. I have no idea where these rumors came from, but they are not true and did not come from me.”
The rumors began circulating after a video surfaced online showing Amanda Black becoming emotional during a recent performance. This led to widespread speculation and the spread of false allegations on social media platforms. Amanda’s prompt clarification aims to dispel these rumors and prevent further misinformation. 
It’s worth noting that Sjava has previously faced similar allegations. In 2019, fellow musician Lady Zamar accused him of rape, an allegation that led to a court case. However, the case was later dismissed due to insufficient evidence. Despite the dismissal, the accusation significantly impacted Sjava’s career, leading to lost opportunities and public scrutiny. 
As of now, Sjava has not publicly responded to the recent rumors involving Amanda Black. Amanda’s swift and clear denial aims to put an end to the speculation. 
This incident serves as a reminder of the dangerous power of social media rumors. False allegations—especially those of sexual assault—can destroy reputations, careers, and lives. While victims of real abuse must be heard and supported, reckless accusations based on speculation do more harm than good. 
With Amanda Black shutting down the claims, the focus should now shift to the importance of verifying information before spreading harmful narratives. In an era where public perception can be shaped in a matter of seconds, responsibility and truth must take precedence over sensationalism. 
