Lebo M with the host of the "Engineer Your Life", Lungelo KM.
Image: Instagram
South African Grammy Award-winning producer and composer Lebo M (Lebohang Morake) has publicly responded to claims made by his ex-fiancée, Zoe Mthiyane, during a recent podcast interview.
Speaking on the "Engineer Your Life" podcast, Lebo M criticised what he described as the casual use of the term “narcissist” in society and the media, arguing that such labels are often used without proper scrutiny.
“There is a horrible tendency in society and with broadcasters that don’t interrogate certain words that are used; narcissism,” he said.
His appearance on the podcast follows the actress’s interview on the same platform, where she reflected on their past relationship and described the producer as narcissistic.
Addressing the allegations, Lebo M questioned why specific examples were not requested during the interview.
“She went on this really confusing journey about narcissism and specifically says that I will generalise. The question you should’ve asked is: what is it about him that makes him a narcissist,” he said.
The renowned producer argued that allowing such claims to go unchallenged damages both his reputation and professional brand.
“If you continue to allow such narratives and such usage of words and don’t interrogate them, realise that you are adding and amplifying a negative towards me, my dignity as a human being and my business brand, Lebo M,” he added.
During the interview, Lebo M suggested that there is a growing trend of men being labelled narcissists without sufficient evidence.
He explained that he felt compelled to speak out in defence of himself and his children.
He also accused Mthiyane of creating a misleading narrative involving sports broadcaster Robert Marawa, with whom she shares a son.
According to Lebo M, he played a fatherly role in the child’s life while he was in a relationship with Mthiyane.
“She intentionally gave you misleading information about this triangle,” he said.
He further challenged the portrayal of events, arguing that the narrative unfairly positioned him as the villain while protecting Marawa’s public image.
“I don’t care if Marawa is president of the country. Call her back. Call Marawa and clear this out once and for all,” he said.
Lebo M also addressed what he believes is a common misconception about his relationship with Mthiyane.
“I was never married to Zoe. I was engaged to Zoe,” he stated.
In her earlier interview, Mthiyane opened up about what she described as warning signs she ignored during the relationship.
The former Generations actress said Lebo M pursued her persistently, travelling between South Africa and Australia every two weeks while trying to win her over.
Although she initially resisted his advances, she said his public image and persistence eventually convinced her to give the relationship a chance.
“I went against my gut. My gut kept saying no. He looked good on paper. This makes sense,” she said.
Mthiyane explained that she ultimately persuaded herself to continue with the relationship despite her reservations.
Mthiyane and Lebo M got engaged in December 2015 but never married.
Their engagement ended in May 2016 amid reported disagreements over a prenuptial agreement.
Despite the split, the pair share a daughter, who was born in 2015.
The former couple’s differing accounts of their relationship have since sparked widespread discussion online, with both parties sharing contrasting perspectives on their time together.