#WIMCon2018 In South Africa: Taraji P. Henson Describes It As A Scam, Bonang Matheba Pulls Out
Celebrated American actress Taraji P. Henson has described as falsehood promotions that suggests she would be speaking at the inaugural International Women In Media Conference in South Africa scheduled for September.
Reacting to the news of her inclusion via Twitter, Taraji disclosed she was ‘pissed’.
She asked the event organisers 21st Century Media, to stop misleading her fans and repeatedly stated she would not be available in South Africa for the said event as she would be busy on set of Empire as at that time.
FALSE. I AM WORKING ON EMPIRE IT IS IMPOSSIBLE FOR ME TO BE THERE. I HATE THAT THIS ORGANIZATION IS MISLEADING MY FANS😡😡😡 https://t.co/cmaHxjw8gG
— Taraji P. Henson (@TherealTaraji) August 8, 2018
Taraji has since advised fans who had bought tickets anticipating her involvement to go for a refund.
THIS IS FALSE IF YOU HAVE PURCHASED TIX TO SEE ME PLEASE GET A REFUND. THIS IS FAKE NEWS!😡😡😡 https://t.co/T5vdAdDIvS
— Taraji P. Henson (@TherealTaraji) August 8, 2018
South African media personality Bonang who had been booked to host the event has since withdrawn from the event.
In a statement, Bonang wrote;
“Bonang Matheba will not be participating in the International Women In Media Conference which is slated to take place on September 5 in Johannesburg.
This comes after it was revealed today at a press briefing that one of the announced keynote speakers, Ms Taraji P. Henson, is no longer participating.
Ms Matheba had been booked to host both the media event and the conference and had been attracted by the event’s apparent women’s empowerment principles. But as there has been no official feedback or clarity from the organisers following today’s allegations, Ms Matheba will not be participating.”
Event organizers: 21stCentury Group have also spoken on the turn of events.
A statement signed by Unathi, Head of Communications & Marketing says;
” 21. Century Group is highly concerned and deeply disappointed by the recent social media posts made by Taraji Henson wherein she alleges not having knowledge of the International Women in Media Conference scheduled to she place on 5 September 2018 at the Sandton Convention Centre. We would like to place on record that prior arrangements were made with Ms. Henson’s Agents Superstar Agency whereby a contract was concluded between 21° Century Group and the latter, only upon confirmation of Ms. Henson’s attendance at the event. It was our reasonable expectation, as is the normal protocol in these situations,that the agency had been liaising with Ms. Henson’s Manager. A deposit was also paid to Superstar Agency as a matter of enforcing and complying with the said contract on the part of 21. Century Group. Written confirmation was received by 21° Century Group from Ms. Henson’s Agents of her attendance and participation at the event. 215 Century Group has handed the matter over to our New York legal team to investigate whether there was miscommunication between Ms. Henson’s agent and manager, or whether this was a deliberate attempt to breach the contract that was signed by the respective parties.
The International Women in Media Conference is a significant event in building leadership and women empowerment in Africa. This event has been solely funded by 21. Century Group as a means of giving back to women in Africa. using influential leaders in the film industry to encourage personal growth and confidence in women. especially for those women that are disadvantaged to explore their individual strengths to be leaders in media. This initiative is not intended to generate an income or profit for 21. Century Group. Ms. Henson was identified. one of the key participants as the is globally admired for her strengths as a woman in the industry. We re-iterate our disappointment in the manner in which this matter h. come to the fore and without our knowledge through formal channels. The event will however still go on as scheduled. No tickets were sold, and no tickets will be sold, it’s strictly by invitation. Once the matter has been fully investigated and we gain a proper understanding of the reasons behind Ms. Henson’s actions on social media, 21° Century Group will issue a media statement accordingly.
We would like to apologise to all the talent and partners that are negatively affected by the negative repons. We also appreciate the partners and talent that has supported the initiative of the International Women In Media Conference and understand that it is about empowerment of women through media.”
Earlier, 21. Century Group had announced the Women In Media Conference will be headlined by Bonang Matheba, Taraji P. Henson, Halle Berry, Connie Ferguson and Ashanti.
