Mongezi “Tol A$$ Mo” Mahlangu Seeks To Take Legal Action Against Lerato Moloi Following His Sexual Assault Acquittal.
It’s been 2 years since model and actress, Lerato Moloi came forward with rape allegations against retired comedian, Mongezi Mahlangu, popularly known as Tall Ass Mo. According to Lerato, the incident took place while they were working on a production in 2014.
Tall Ass Mo refuted the claims while several women in the industry rallied behind Lerato, and the #IbelieveLeratoMoloi Hashtag went viral. The comedian’s wife Mome Mahlangu, came under fire for supporting “a rapist” after she stated that she would be standing by her husband.
On Tuesday, the 16th of August, a court ruling found Tall Ass Mo innocent of the rape allegations levelled against him. Following the court ruling, the retired comedian has been demanding public apologies from those who considered him guilty before the court’s ruling. Further threatening legal action should they fail to comply.
“On 16 august 2022, I, Mr. Mongezi “Tol A$$ Mo” Mahlangu was vindicated and accordingly acquitted of all charges levelled against me by a South African court of law,” he says.
“I have maintained my innocence despite the false and malicious claims of an alleged rape made by Ms. Lerato Moloi, which has caused immense damage to me, my family, my children, my professional reputation, and subsequent loss of livelihood negatively affected my overall mental health and emotional wellbeing.”
Mongezi also references the stained relationships, career harm and overwhelming discomfort he has endured as the justice system took its course.
“As such, I am currently pursuing charges of slander, defamation of character as well as malicious prosecution and civil charges to cover total legal costs incurred and comprehensive loss of income suffered during this time, against Ms. Moloi,” the statement reads.
He goes on to say that his family’s silence in the matter was for a reason.
“During this two-year ordeal, our families silence was not an admission of guilt, but rather a decision to respect the justice system – and not the court of public opinion – to follow due course, and rule in favour of the truth,” he says.
The issue is a contentious one however, and fans are clearly divided. Not everyone is convinced by the verdict as the #IbelieveLeratoMoloi hashtag continues to garner support. Meanwhile the Tall Ass Mo camp is more concerned with ensuring that Lerato faces the full wrath of the law. Lerato Moloi is yet to make an official statement in response. This is a developing story.
