Mihlali Ndamase shares her painful experiences in her relationship with Leeroy Sidambe, in a candid YouTube video, urging others in similar situations to speak out and seek help. File Pictures: Supplied
Mihlali Ndamase, the well-known South African influencer, has opened up about her painful experiences in a toxic relationship with businessman Leeroy Sidambe.
In a recent open letter video posted on her YouTube channel, the beauty influencer shared the verbal, emotional, and alleged physical abuse she has endured in her relationship with Sidambe.
Ndamase claimed that her relationship began with emotional harm and quickly escalated to physical abuse.
“It was with great vulnerability that I admit I was involved in a toxic relationship, matters quickly escalated to it being physically harmful,” she said.
She described the pain caused by gas-lighting, aggression, and manipulation, which distorted her understanding of love.
She was responding to Sidambe's public accusations last week, in which the businessman alleged that Mihlali had allegedly made 77 missed calls, forced her way into his house and had armed herself with a knife during their alleged fight, leading to her sustaining facial injuries.
The statements by Sidambe sparked a significant reaction on X for days as Mihlali sat quiet without responding, until she opened about the ordeal with a two minute video clip on Monday night. Mihlali did not respond directly to the claims made by Sidambe.
It is also not known whether she opened assault charges.
The beauty influencer, who has rubbed shouders with the likes of Rihanna, highlighted the profound impact this experience has had on her life.
“The scars of this experience ran deep and the trauma continues to echo in my personal life and in my business,” she said.
Despite the challenges, she remains hopeful and committed to healing.
“I am filled with hope and determination to embark on a journey of healing,” she stated, emphasising her willingness to use all necessary resources to reclaim her sense of dignity and self-worth.
She urged others in similar situations to speak out and seek help, saying that no one deserves to be in a toxic environment.
“Through my healing journey, I hope to inspire others to speak out, seek help, and break free from any toxic environment as nobody deserves it,” she added.
She has thanked those who supported her and requested continued understanding as she works through her recovery.
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