Cartoonist apologies for anti-gay tweet about Shrien Dewani
A South African cartoonist has apologised for making anti-gay comments on Twitter in response to the Shrien Dewani verdict.
The court on the first day of testimony heard that Mr Dewani is bisexual. The prosecution had alleged that because of his sexual orientation, Mr Dewani had wanted to get out of his marriage to wife Anni.
He denied plotting to arrange the murder, and said Anni’s death was the result of a botched carjacking in Cape Town back in 2010.
Judge Jeanette Traverso dismissed the case against him, after describing evidence from prosecution witnesses as “riddled with contradictions”.
Cartoonist and blogger Jeremy Nell reacted by tweeting: “What’s more gay: Shrien Dewani or the South African justice system?”
The South African Times reports Mr Nell was quickly criticised over his remarks.
HIV activist Zackie Achmat blasted the “stupidest comment”.
Mr Nell subsequently removed the post, saying: “Previous tweet retracted. Apologies”.
He then tweeted a cartoon relating to Shrien Dewani’s sexual orientation.
I’d also raise my pitchfork. My tweet was a poor attempt at my cartoon. pic.twitter.com/Hp1xe5bMci
— Jerm (@mynameisjerm) December 8, 2014
And a message of support regarding his original joke.
@mynameisjerm I just want to say that, despite being a gay man, I found your tweet quite funny. I’m a long-time fan and will remain so.
— Mark Del (@delano501) December 9, 2014
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