David Scott, known by his stage name The Kiffness, has publicly supported Johnny Papadakis, the owner of Hank’s Olde Irish Pub in Cape Town, who was accused of racial discrimination. This defense comes after Papadakis was cleared of the accusations, which were reported to be based on fabricated evidence.
The incident that sparked the uproar involved a viral video posted by Chris Logan, alleging his friend Thabiso Danca was racially discriminated against by being denied entry to the pub. This led to significant backlash including protests led by the Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), a temporary closure of the business, and an investigation by the South African Human Rights Commission.
However, findings from the police investigation revealed that the allegations were unfounded. The supposed victim, Danca, reportedly did not have a valid ID at the time he was refused entry, which is a standard entry requirement, not a case of racial profiling as initially claimed. This misrepresentation led to unnecessary negative publicity and economic damage to the pub.
The Kiffness has been vocal about the misreporting and sensationalism surrounding the case. He emphasized the character and community service of Papadakis, who not only runs the pub but also acts as a pastor and philanthropist, feeding over 400 homeless individuals and aiding them in obtaining necessary identification documents. Scott criticized the media and certain political entities for overlooking these humanitarian efforts and the circumstances of the event.
This story underscores the complexities of social media-driven accusations and the consequences of misinformation. It also highlights the importance of verifying facts before drawing conclusions, as the initial allegations have now been shown to be a result of personal grievances rather than actual misconduct.
The Kiffness continues to advocate for a fair consideration of all facts and has used this incident to call for more responsible journalism and social media usage, stressing the impact such stories can have on individuals and businesses alike.
