by Thinus Ferreira
Complaints from two actresses, one currently working on and a former cast member, on SABC2's Sesotho drama series Lithapo has prompted an investigation by production company Quizzical Pictures that has removed the actor from the set.
The Lithapo actress Lorraine Moropa (23) decided she's had enough and is speaking up and took to social media to describe how she is allegedly constantly being sexually harassed by an actor on the Quizzical Pictures set.
After her, the actress and YFM DJ Altovise Lawrence, responded that the actor allegedly perpetrated the same sexual harassment behaviour in interactions with her on the same set.
According to insiders, the actor - who has been warned before - has been removed from the set but has not been fired.
Lorraine Moropa wrote that "Being constantly sexually harassed by a male senior at a workplace can not and should not be tolerated".
"Imagine working with someone who undresses you from how he looks at you. Someone that grabs his genitals on a set while looking at your ass or grabs your ass and laughs it off in front of a crew (yes my cases have always been in the presence of my colleagues). That to me is worse than a slap in the face."
"This is a father, who also happens to speak highly of their daughter whom by the way, is practically my age and also in the industry. I wonder if he would appreciate his daughter coming home with half the stories I have to go home and tell my mother due to his actions," Lorraine Moropa wrote.
"I did not sleep my way into any role and I refuse for my process to get into this industry and cement my name just for it to be tainted by an someone who has zero self-control or respect for us as professionals in the industry. Enough is enough."
Altovise Lawrence said that she "stands in solidarity with Lorraine Moropa who has had the courage to come out and say that she has been sexually harassed by an actor on set. The same man that sexually harassed her has sexually harassed me too on the very same set".
"I’m sorry I didn’t speak out when it happened Lorraine Moropa. But, I’m saying something now. What happened was disgusting and it can’t continue. I believe you. I support you. I’ve got you, sis."
On Tuesday TVwithThinus asked the SABC in a media enquiry what exactly the public broadcaster about the alleged ongoing sexual harassment on the Quizzical Pictures production.
SABC2 publicist Lebo Malete on Tuesday evening responded by emailing the statement photo that Quizzical Pictures put on social media earlier on Tuesday.
"We take the issue extremely seriously. We subscribe to the SWIFT and Independent Producers' Organisation (IPO) conde of conduct. All cast and crew sign declarations against sexual harassment as part of their contracts and Quizzical Pictures run sexual harassment workshops before any production begins."
"We are dealing with this issue with the people concerned".
The SABC was asked if the actor has been removed from the Lithapo set and whether that happened immediately and if he was told not to have any contact with the rest of the cast and crew any further.
The SABC was also asked if an investigation was started into the allegations, and if so, who is doing it, if it's an independent outside investigation, or done by the Quizzical Pictures or the SABC, and when it was that complaints were received about the person.
The SABC and SABC2 were asked if there is any statement from the public broadcaster and its TV channel about how it regards these allegations, and if, for instance, it is something that the SABC takes seriously and that the SABC sees as a problem.
The SABC was also asked if the person or people who complained are getting any counselling at the moment, and if so, in what form, and if the SABC or the production company have been aware of any prior complaints regarding sexual harassment about the person.
The SABC and SABC2 haven't responded to these specific questions at the time of publication but responses will be added here if received.
UPDATE Wednesday 22 July 2020 14:40 - The SABC says in a statement:
"The SABC strongly condemns abuse and as part of its continuous commitment, the corporation has put measures in place to transform the public broadcaster into a truly accountable and responsive corporate entity".
"The SABC can confirm that it is aware of the matter raised, however, it should be noted that the production house responsible for Lithapo is dealing with the matter directly. We are therefore not in a position to respond to these allegations and all questions should be directed to the production house."
ALSO READ: Quizzical Pictures removes actor from SABC2's Lithapo following sexual harassment complaints, actress Lorraine Moropa says 'I hope my example will give other women the courage to come forward with their stories'.
