South African actress and media personality Pearl Thusi has found herself at the center of public controversy following her heartfelt but widely criticized tribute to late DJ Warras. What began as an emotional moment during a memorial service has quickly evolved into a heated debate across social media platforms — prompting Thusi to respond to the backlash with a mixture of apology, vulnerability, and defiance.

DJ Warras, a beloved figure in the local music community, was tragically killed recently, leaving fans, friends, and industry voices in mourning. At his memorial service, Pearl Thusi shared a personal story about her relationship with Warras, recounting moments from their travels and his reassuring words to her in a hotel room. Although she intended to highlight their close bond, many viewers perceived her anecdote as inappropriate or overly intimate for a solemn occasion.

The public reaction was swift and polarized. Some social media users criticized Thusi for what they saw as oversharing, insensitive timing, or even making the service about herself rather than the deceased. Commenters used harsh words, accusing her of disrespect and questioning her intentions, with some suggesting that the speech was inappropriate for a memorial setting.

Amid the uproar, Norma Mansoor, mother of rapper Chad da Don and a close family friend of DJ Warras, publicly condemned Thusi’s speech, calling it “disgusting” and accusing her of trying to make the event about her rather than honoring the late DJ’s life. Mansoor’s remarks gave voice to a vocal section of the public that felt Thusi crossed a line, further fueling online debate.

In response to the criticism, Pearl Thusi took to social media to address the situation, offering an apology and explaining that her intention was to share a genuine and vulnerable memory. She expressed that her story was meant to reflect the special connection she had with Warras and that she deeply regretted if her words caused pain or misunderstanding. Despite the backlash, Thusi urged the public to focus on remembering Warras in a positive light rather than dwelling on controversy.

Thusi’s reaction reflects her broader history with social media and public scrutiny. Over the years, she has faced criticism not only for her professional choices and public appearances but also for her ventures into DJing and other creative endeavors — often responding with emotional honesty and a firm stance against online negativity.

Supporters of Thusi argue that her critics are being overly harsh and that mourning is a deeply personal process that should not be confined to rigid expectations. Many fans defended her on social media, asserting that Thusi’s tribute was sincere and that the backlash crosses into toxic commentary that detracts from honoring DJ Warras’ memory.

Conversely, detractors maintain that public figures, especially those at high-profile memorials, must exercise more discretion and sensitivity in their words. In their view, the controversy highlights broader tensions between celebrity culture, social media judgment, and public mourning rituals.

As the debate continues to unfold online, Pearl Thusi’s handling of the situation remains a focal point. Her willingness to respond candidly — and accept criticism — has sparked further conversation about how celebrities navigate grief in the spotlight. Regardless of where opinions lie, the episode has certainly kept the conversation around DJ Warras’ legacy alive, even as it underscores the challenges of expressing vulnerability in a digital age where every moment is scrutinized.