LEROY Gopal, an actor and television personality based in South Africa, on Sunday torched a storm after tearing into people, questioning the outpouring of grief in support of France, following the recent terrorist attacks that killed at least 129 people when there was no similar support for Kenya when 147 people were killed by al-Shabab militants at a university.
BY PHILLIP CHIDAVAENZI
Following what have been described as the worst attacks in France since World War 2, many people across the world — including Zimbabwe — took to social media to express their outrage and support in some instances emblazoning their profile pictures with the French national flag.
Others, however, questioned why there was so much mourning over the attacks in France when there was no similar support for Kenya, but this did not sit well with Gopal, who snapped in a succinct Facebook post on his wall.
“To those that have been writing on their walls about how no action or noise was made for Kenya for the 147 students and now so much noise for Paris, do your homework, don’t just get caught in the hype. Tibvirei apa! (Get off!),” he wrote.
Gopal, who is best-known for featuring in a local movie, Yellow Card, in 2000, before heading South where he has carved his own niche and made a name for himself, attracted a measure of censure following his rant.
Responding to Gopal, Admire Masunga, said in light of Gopal’s public profile, he should have kept his sentiments to himself.
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“I am one of those people whose comments are bent on criticising his [Gopal’s] rushed opinion. I reckon some opinions should be kept in our shells than puked in public. Leroy’s is a perfect example. You can’t expect people to go mum if your opinions provoke their feelings . . . Being a public figure is not a warrant that everyone will agree with whatever you say,” he wrote.
Tavonga Tembo also wrote that if Gopal did something for Kenya following the terrorist attacks, then not enough was done in terms of coverage.
“[I] am sorry Leroy but [I] am going to have to disagree with you on this one. If people didn’t hear about your efforts and what you did for Kenya, then you did not make enough noise and I think that’s the point people are trying to make,” he said.
Some said Gopal was getting too big-headed, while others called for a truce, stressing that all people should be treated equally regardless of their skin colour or location.
Gopal, however, hit back saying he was sticking to his sentiments regardless of the insults hurled at him.
“I’ll stand by what I said. If you don’t understand it, just say so. Tuma insults twenyu [your frivolous insults] have no substance,” he said. “Least you have something constructive to say, gara hako pasi [just sit down], we won’t judge you for misunderstanding simple social media comments.”
Other followers accused Gopal of trying to seek cheap publicity so he could break into the French market.
“I’m not removing my post. It’s simple and straight forward. I ain’t looking for a market, in Paris you missed the point,” he hit back before thanking all those who had responded for their “very educational” comments.
