- Pearl Thusi recalls a chilling encounter with Thabo Bester, where he allegedly threatened her with a knife.
- Her account in Netflix’s Beauty and the Bester has sparked widespread debate and social media backlash.
- Public figures like Nota and Slik Talk have accused Thusi of inconsistencies in her story.
Pearl Thusi’s Emotional Testimony
Actress and TV personality Pearl Thusi has found herself at the centre of heated social media debate following her appearance in Netflix’s new docuseries Beauty and the Bester. The series, directed by Mandla N, explores the story of convicted murderer and rapist Thabo Bester and his partner, Dr Nandipha Magudumana.
In the first episode, which aired on Friday, Thusi tearfully recounted how she met Bester through Facebook in 2011 after he pitched a job opportunity worth R70,000. According to her, what began as a work meeting quickly turned into a traumatic experience when Bester allegedly pulled out a knife and threatened her.
“He told me to take a different route while driving, and suddenly I saw the knife pointed at me. I was terrified,” she said. “He spoke about his difficult life, and I remember thinking I had been naïve.”
Social Media Erupts With Reactions
The revelations have divided audiences. Some viewers expressed sympathy for Thusi, while others questioned the consistency of her story. YouTuber Slik Talk suggested that her choice of words hinted at a deeper relationship with Bester, while others resurfaced past interviews where her version of events appeared different.
Music producer Nota Baloyi went further, accusing Thusi of being complicit in Bester’s crimes. In a fiery post, he alleged that she should have been arrested alongside him.
Another user, Prosper (@qhamadlula_), wrote:
“Pearl Thusi should have just told us she dated him. Yes, we would’ve judged, but life would move on. Her story doesn’t add up.”
Others like @GroundMatters noted that while Thusi’s testimony was emotional, it left viewers with more questions than answers, particularly about police involvement and her apparent sympathy for Bester.
A Divisive Public Reaction
While Beauty and the Bester continues to dominate headlines, the controversy around Pearl Thusi’s account shows no signs of slowing down. For many, the debate highlights not only the gravity of Bester’s crimes but also the difficulty of reconciling conflicting testimonies in high-profile cases.
Whether viewers believe Thusi’s story or remain sceptical, one thing is certain: her appearance has amplified the emotional intensity of a series already gripping the nation.