Lebo M Calls Robert Marawa ‘Deadbeat’ Dad: Sparks Fierce Response

A screening meant to showcase a legacy instead ignited a public dispute, as producer and composer Lebo Morake leveled a pointed accusation against veteran sportscaster Robert Marawa: that he’s a “deadbeat” dad. The exchange, which occurred Thursday night at a VIP screening of Morake’s Lebo M: Legacy in Motion at Nu Metro Hyde Park, quickly escalated, with Marawa issuing a sharp rebuke.

The screening itself was a star-studded affair, drawing a crowd that included radio personality Tbo Touch, ActionSA leader Herman Mashaba, actress Lillian Dube, radio presenter Penny Lebyane, author and public speaker Bongani Luvalo, and members of the musical group Kwela Tebza. However, it was a segment from Morake’s upcoming docu-reality series, Last Woman Standing, that dominated the conversation.

According to reports, Morake, known globally as Lebo M, discussed his past relationships during the screening, stating that many of his former partners had children from previous relationships and that their “baby daddies are deadbeats.” He specifically named Marawa, who shares a child with actress Zoe Mthiyane, alleging he failed to financially support the child during a period when Morake and Mthiyane were living in Australia.

“I was in Australia with Zoe doing The Lion King play, and I can tell you that woman had nothing in her account because she used all her money supporting her child which she shares with Robert,” Morake said in the screened segment. “I can tell you now Robert was aware I was taking care of his kid but not a single cent from him as contribution.” He further punctuated the point with a personal mantra: “Wherever my sperm goes, my cheque follows.”

Marawa’s response was swift and forceful. “I wasn’t aware that he’s the mother to my kid! He loves attention, that one, and he mustn’t try me. I’m not using my son or myself to promote his stupid reality shows!” he reportedly stated.

The public airing of this dispute comes amidst a complex history between the three individuals involved. Mthiyane and Marawa’s relationship ended in 2012, while her engagement with Morake dissolved in 2016 after a highly publicized and acrimonious split. That breakup culminated in a R6 million defamation lawsuit filed by Morake against Mthiyane, stemming from social media exchanges.

Mthiyane has publicly discussed the difficulties of co-parenting with Morake, describing a relationship that led to a “downward spiral” and even influencing her portrayal of an abusive character on the television series Generations: The Legacy. She has, conversely, praised Marawa, stating he was a protector during her early career and has been a supportive father.

However, Mthiyane previously claimed in 2015 that Marawa was an “absent father,” a statement she later appeared to walk back in 2023, acknowledging his support over a seven-year period. This shifting narrative adds another layer of complexity to the current dispute.

The incident has sparked debate among attendees and observers, with some defending Morake’s right to speak his truth and advocate for financial responsibility, while others criticize him for involving a child in a public feud and potentially exploiting personal matters for entertainment value. The timing of these accusations, coinciding with the promotion of Morake’s new projects – including Lebo M Live with Hans Zimmer, African Icons Tribute Concert, and Life, Love & Legacy – has also raised questions about strategic intent.

Morake’s history of tumultuous relationships is well-documented. He is currently married to actress and recording artist Nomoya Refiloe Dube, his fifth marriage, following a series of engagements and previous unions. This pattern of relationships, coupled with the public nature of this latest dispute, continues to fuel public fascination and scrutiny.

The fallout from this exchange is likely to continue, raising questions about the boundaries of public discourse, the responsibilities of parenthood, and the intersection of personal lives and professional endeavors in the entertainment industry. The incident serves as a stark reminder that even seemingly glamorous events can quickly become entangled in deeply personal and often painful conflicts.