DURBAN - The Mpisane family and friends of Sbahle Mpisane have distanced themselves from Andile Mpisane's hospital video which was released on Tuesday. The video was subsequently removed, owing to backlash, Andile said on Wednesday.
On Tuesday, Andile, Sbahle's younger brother, posted the video which showed a 'glammed up' and recovering Sbahle for the first time after her horrific accident on August 9.
In the video, which was also meant to celebrate their parents Sbu and Shauwn Mpisane's wedding anniversary, Sbahle thanked her fans for the support.
On a statement released on the social media pages of Sbahle's friends - Zoe Thabethe, Olwethu Gumede and Mandisa Ndlela - the family apparently had not authorised the video and revealed she was heavily medicated at the time.
Sbahle Mpisane with her friends during her memulo ceremony last year. Her friends Zoe Thabethe, Olwethu Gumede and Mandisa Ndlela (picture here) said in a statement that the family had not authorised the release of a video which was shared by her brother Andile.
"The Mpisane family and friends would like it to be known that yesterday’s (Tuesday) video was taken and posted without our knowledge or consent. It is unfortunate that she has been exploited in this manner. We wish to inform the public that Sbahle was heavily medicated and had no comprehension of what was going on.
"She still has a long road to full recovery. We are extremely proud of her progress and fighting spirit thus far. We thank you all for your love, support and prayers for our Fitness Bunnie. She loves and appreciates you all. We continue to ask for privacy. Thank you and God bless," the statement read.
The statement did not reveal who it represented from the Mpisane family, but it was accompanied by a picture of Sbu and Sbahle Mpisane.
Thabethe, Ndlela and Gumede posted identical statements on their social media pages. They are known close friends of the fitness enthusiast and attended her coming of age ceremony .
Sbu Mpisane could not be reached on his cellphone, nor did he respond to SMSes sent on his phone on Wednesday. He is understood to be unhappy about the video posted by his son, Andile.
Attempts to get clarity from the Gumede and Ndlela were not successful.
View this post on Instagram
A post shared by Zoe Thabethe ka Madlala(@zoe_thabethe) on Sep 12, 2018 at 3:00am PDT
Meanwhile, Andile said earlier on Tuesday that he had removed the video of his sister because he had received backlash on social media.
"Kindly note I’ve taken down my sister Sbahle Mpisane recovery video on my page, after some malicious attacks towards me, my sister and family. The video was to inform the public of the great progress and recovery stage of her state…”
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A post shared by Andile Mpisane(@andilempisane10) on Sep 11, 2018 at 11:12am PDT
In Andile's now deleted video, a 'glammed up' Sbahle was seen sporting a weave, a black velvet gown and her face was full of make-up. It was the first time fans got to see Sbahle since her horror crash.
SUNDAY TRIBUNE