Drama seems to follow local media personality Somizi Mhlongo-Motaung around. Despite being one of the biggest faces in television today as a judge on Idols South Africa and with his cooking show ‘Dinner At Somizi’s’, the star has been hit with a shocking plagiarism scandal which claims that the star stole the idea of the cooking show from Hastings Moeng who reportedly pitched the idea of the show to Somizi as far back as 2014.
According to Radio 702 presenter Eusebius Mckaiser, Hastings was the first to pitch the series to Somizi claiming he “had the TV show idea since 2010”. Hastings’ proposed show title was ‘Dinner kwa Somizi’ and is described as “weekly lifestyle and entertainment talk show that sees South African all-round entertainer Somizi Mhlongo chat to fellow entertainers over dinner”.
On 28 July 2014, Hastings Moeng proposed #DinnerAtSomizis to Somizi & Themba. The description of the show is materially similar to the one now flighted (to the shock of Mr Moeng). See the 2014 email below and decide for yourself. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/QVcpJIAY8o
— Eusebius McKaiser (@Eusebius) September 15, 2020
He continued in his email; “In true Somizi style, the show will be quirky and light-hearted. Somizi, famous for not mincing his words, asks each of his guests the questions on everyone’s minds that no one has ever dared to ask in a witty manner without offending them”.
Eusebius adds that Hastings pitched the synopsis to Lengend Manqele – the 1Magic show’s producer – adding; “Why is IP theft so rife in entertainment? Multichoice is being coy despite being shown this.”
On 2 September 2016 Hastings Moeng wrote to Legend (the current producer) with a synposis for #DinnerAtSomizis . You can see the treatment synopsis below. And judge for yourself.
Why is IP theft so rife in entertainment? Multichoice is being coy despite being shown this. (2/2) pic.twitter.com/A8Nwnu7Haa
— Eusebius McKaiser (@Eusebius) September 15, 2020
Now, Hastings is looking a formal apology over what he believes is his intellectual property being used without his consent
His lawyer Mabu Marweshe told Sowetan; “I can confirm that we act on behalf of Hastings Moeng and we gave issued a letter of demand to Multichoice. I cannot however divulge much … but my client is seeking recognition for his idea.”
