Gareth Cliff, the judges of the popular show Idols, called off his defamation lawsuit against pay cable channel M-Net, the station that had fired him after his tweet statement that caused a public outcry. The lawsuit was asking for R25 million in damages. Cliff rescinded his action after the High Court in Johannesburg ruled agains the station and ordered his immediate reinstatement as judge.
Business Tech gives the background of the case. M-Net had dismissed Cliff because of a tweet he made that caused a wave of resentment among many viewers. A real estate agent had tweeted that black people looked like monkeys. Cliff tweeted back that "people do not understand free speech after all." This response created an impression that Cliff was championing racism and prejudice, especially among the blacks. The outpouring of anger was the factor that led M-Net to let him go.
Cliff and his lawyers responded with a defamation suit, alleging that M-Net had cast slurs on his character. The lawsuit was asking for R25 million in damages.
SA Breaking News says that reinstatement was the first item that Cliff had asked for. Its granting now has made him more conciliatory and back off from the second item which is monetary compensation from M-Net. Cliff and his lawyers say they are building bridges, and the ball is now in M-Net's court.
Eric Mabuza, Cliff's lawyer, said: "We're extending a hand of friendship, saying bygones be bygones". At the same time, he added that their pursuit of monetary compensation will ultimately depend on M-Net's actions, which they will be "closely monitoring."
Further reports from Eyewitness News indicates that bridges will be mended. M-Net released a statement that they are looking forward to welcoming Cliff back on the show.
Cliff also apologized for his tweet. He also reiterated his commitment to Idols, saying: "There are talented and not-so-talented people lining up in Durban right now waiting to be heard and discovered for their big break and I'm waiting to meet them too."
