Celebrity Fashion Designer Quiteria Kekana’s Passing Sparks Mixed Reactions on Social Media
Internationally acclaimed fashion designer Lebogang Quiteria Kekana, better known as Quiteria, has died. The 38-year-old fashion guru died on April 17, after losing his long battle against cancer. The Kekane family shared the news of his death in a statement on Instagram, shortly after his passing.
“It is with profound regret and sadness that the Kekana family confirms the untimely passing of international fashion designer, son, father, and brother Lebogang Quiteria Kekana, 38, after a short battle with cancer. Quiteria sadly passed away on April 17 2022 at his Melville home”, read the statement.
Despite having been celebrated as an iconic designer icon in the fashion industry, Quiteria’s passing has not saddened many on social media due to the fatphobia and abuse allegations that were leveled against him.
In a series of tweets in 2020, media personality and comedian Lesego Thlabi, popularly known as Coconut Kellz alleged that she was body-shamed by Quiteria at a photoshoot while fitting on some of the designer’s clothes. Following an uproar over the allegations, Quiteria took to social media to refute the media personality’s claims. The designer is quoted as having said “the truth of the matter is I am not going to release any apology to anyone. Fat is not even a bad word. My mother is actually size 42 so I am not even going to go there.”
Quiteria was also accused of being a predator and an abuser, which has further amplified the mixed sentiments about his passing on social media.
The fashion designer is survived by his son, his parents, and siblings. His family has requested privacy as they process the tragic news.
