Actress and media personality Thuli Phongolo has publicly denied dating music producer Prince Kaybee, following social media speculation that linked her to him and businessman Edwin Sodi. Phongolo addressed the claims on Instagram, stating that she has only met the DJ once in a professional or casual gym setting and labeling the narrative as an attempt to portray her as “loose.” Prince Kaybee subsequently responded on X, formerly Twitter, rejecting the rumors and criticizing the public focus on his personal life.
How social media rumors fuel celebrity narratives
The speculation originated from a post by X user @ChrisExcel102, who listed Phongolo on a purported “hitlist” of individuals allegedly associated with Prince Kaybee and Edwin Sodi. According to Phongolo, the circulation of this list is a “disgusting circus” that she refuses to tolerate. She explicitly stated in a series of Instagram stories that she has never been in a relationship with either man. This incident highlights the growing trend of unverified social media lists shaping public perception of celebrities, often forcing individuals to issue formal denials to protect their reputations.
Public figures increasingly use Instagram Stories to bypass traditional media outlets, allowing them to address controversies directly with their followers in real-time.
Prince Kaybee’s stance on public speculation
Prince Kaybee has distanced himself from the rumors, maintaining that he has never initiated such claims. In a post on X dated June 18, 2026, he challenged the public’s focus on his personal life, suggesting that the energy directed toward these rumors would be better spent on serious social issues. He specifically referenced the 2023 assault case involving Thuli Phongolo and DJ Maphorisa as a matter that warranted more public scrutiny than his alleged dating life. By redirecting the conversation, Kaybee framed the current rumors as a distraction from more significant, documented events in the entertainment industry.
The impact of past legal cases on celebrity discourse
The reference to DJ Maphorisa brings the conversation back to a documented legal event from 2023. At that time, Phongolo opened a case against Maphorisa at the Sandton police station, alleging assault. Maphorisa subsequently appeared in the Randburg Magistrate’s Court on charges of assault with intent to cause grievous bodily harm. The case concluded after Phongolo filed a withdrawal statement, and the pair released a joint statement confirming they had resolved the matter privately. The contrast between this verified legal history and the current social media rumors underscores how past public trauma can influence how celebrities are treated in digital spaces today.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Thuli Phongolo and Prince Kaybee date?
No. Thuli Phongolo has formally denied these rumors, stating that she has only met Prince Kaybee once at a gym.
What was the source of the rumors?
The rumors stemmed from a post by X user @ChrisExcel102, which claimed to list individuals associated with Prince Kaybee and Edwin Sodi.
How was the case between Thuli Phongolo and DJ Maphorisa resolved?
The case was resolved privately after Phongolo filed a withdrawal statement with the police, as confirmed by a joint statement from the two parties.
When engaging with celebrity news on social media, always verify claims against statements issued directly by the individuals involved through their official, verified channels.
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