‘This regrettable incident still haunts her seven years later’ — David James admits calling Brenda Ngxoli the ‘k’ word

David James has admitted to using a racist slur towards Brenda Ngxoli during the filming of Sew the Winter to My Skin.

This after Brenda took to her timeline recently to reveal the actor called her a “k***ir meit” in front of the cast, who gasped in shock.

“If anything happens to me and my child, David James is his name. I can today talk about these events because I never signed the contract or the non-disclosure addendum that followed. No production lawyers were able to force me,” she wrote. 

In a statement shared with TshisaLIVE, David recalled the incident. 

“Travelling back from set one night we were engaged in a discussion in the cast vehicle about the political era and setting of the script, our respective characters, and together we reflected on racial epithets. The next morning there was mutual banter between Ms Ngxoli and I, both of us using some of these pejorative phrases (which included the K word), in mutual understanding of our facetiousness. 

“Production called a meeting to address a complaint raised by Ms Ngxoli. The meeting included the producer, director, assistant director, Ms Ngxoli and myself. After a comprehensive discussion surrounding the specific events I related above, I realised my conduct was seen as offensive and inappropriate. I immediately and unreservedly apologised to Ms Ngxoli and the producers. After the discussion, Ms Ngxoli and I shook hands and I apologised once again for the hurt  she had felt. I have a comprehensive record of the notes taken at this meeting and I have no doubt Ms Ngxoli also has copies.”

David said he always had great respect for Brenda as an actress and thought they left on amicable terms after wrapping the production.

“I deeply regret any hurt Ms Ngxoli felt. I am sorry this regrettable incident still haunts her seven years later. I state unequivocally that I invite any further investigation of this incident by any competent authority including the Human Rights Commission. I would support every effort to ventilate this matter again thoroughly.”