AKA has temporarily stepped down as Cruz Vodka ambassador

South African rapper Kiernan Forbes, professionally known as AKA, is temporarily stepping down as Cruz Vodka Ambassador in the wake of viral videos leaked on social media which sparked domestic violence claims in his relationship with late fiancée Anele “Nelli” Tembe.

In April, Nelli fell to her death from the 10th floor of the Pepperclub Hotel in Cape Town.

‘PAST FEW WEEKS EXCRUTIATINGLY DIFFICULT FOR ME’

In a statement released on 13 May, AKA said it has been difficult dealing with the loss of Anele as well as “snippets” of their relationship made public on social media.

“The past few weeks have been excruciatingly difficult for me. Beyond dealing with the loss of Anele, the love of my life, I am also having to deal with snippets taken out of context of our relationship that found their way to social media.”

On 9 May, Images and videos of AKA breaking down a door to get into a room where Anele “Nelli” Tembe was hiding from him, went viral on Twitter and sparked rumours of an abusive relationship between the rapper and his late fiancée. 

In the images, AKA is seen breaking down a door with his bare hands to get to Nelli at their Bryanston apartment. According to media report claims she had been hiding from him.

“In time I will share my side of the story in a sincere and honest manner, which will afford the greatest of respect to the relationship I shared with Anele and both our families.

I am not perfect, she was not without flaws, but I am not what events of the last few days have painted me to be. We were in love and had committed to each other,” he said.

AKA TEMPORARILY STEPPING BACK FROM DUTIES

In the statement, AKA said he had time to reflect on the events of the past few days and felt it best to step back.

“Having had time to reflect on the events of the past few days, I have engaged with my business partners, and I feel it best that I temporarily step back from my duties with Cruz Vodka as I need this time to focus on the way forward, and deal with my personal matter.”

He added that he was grateful for the support of his business partners at Cruz Vodka.

“I have done this for the sake of Anele’s memory which will forever be entrenched in my heart, our families and my fans.

“I am grateful to my business partners at Cruz Vodka for all their support and understanding of this decision, to give me time. Daily I wake up to the reality that the person I was building a future with is no more, the pain is unbearable with God’s grace I will remain strong and pick up the pieces,” he said.

ALSO READ: AKA and Nelli: Shock footage spark rumours of abuse [watch]