Thuli P Debunks Prince Kaybee Dating Rumors: “Never Slept With Him or Edwin

Thuli Phongolo has directly addressed long-circulating rumors about her romantic involvement with South African rapper Prince Kaybee and actor Edwin Makan, stating in a public post on June 18, 2026, that she has "never slept with you or Edwin." The clarification comes amid persistent speculation in local media and social circles, where the three figures have been repeatedly linked in tabloid-style narratives.

According to The Citizen, Phongolo’s statement—shared via her verified social media account—was framed as a blunt rejection of "fake news" and "rumors" that had resurfaced over the past year. While Prince Kaybee and Edwin Makan have not publicly responded, their teams have historically declined to comment on personal matters involving other celebrities. This marks the first time Phongolo has addressed the claims directly, breaking a pattern of silence from all three parties amid tabloid coverage.

The rumors gained traction in early 2025 after a leaked photo purportedly showing Phongolo and Kaybee together at a private event in Johannesburg. At the time, neither party confirmed the authenticity of the image, and no follow-up reporting emerged. By contrast, a 2024 interview with actor Edwin Makan in Sowetan Live included a vague reference to "misunderstandings" about his personal life, though he did not specify which relationships were under scrutiny. The current statement from Phongolo represents the most definitive public response to date.

Industry observers note that celebrity relationship rumors in South Africa’s entertainment space often persist despite lack of evidence, fueled by a mix of social media speculation and tabloid-driven cycles. For instance, in 2023, similar unfounded claims about another local star’s romantic ties to a musician were debunked only after the individuals filed a joint statement through their legal representatives. Phongolo’s approach—publicly dismissing the rumors without legal action—aligns with a growing trend among South African celebrities to preemptively counter misinformation through direct social media engagement.

What happens next for the three figures remains unclear. Prince Kaybee, who has a scheduled tour in Cape Town and Durban later this month, has not altered his public appearances or social media activity in response to the statement. Edwin Makan, currently filming a lead role in a new drama series for Mzansi Magic, has also maintained his professional schedule without comment. Meanwhile, local media outlets that had previously amplified the rumors have not issued follow-up reports, suggesting a potential shift in coverage priorities.

For fans and followers seeking clarity, Phongolo’s post serves as the most authoritative statement to date. The lack of pushback from Kaybee or Makan’s teams, however, leaves open the possibility that the rumors could resurface in future cycles—particularly if new speculative claims emerge. In the interim, the incident underscores the challenges celebrities face in managing their public image amid an era where unverified narratives spread rapidly across digital platforms.

Why did Thuli Phongolo address the rumors now?
Phongolo’s decision to publicly dismiss the claims follows a pattern observed among South African celebrities who opt for direct rebuttals over legal action, according to entertainment lawyer Thando Mthembu of Legal Pulse Media. "In an age where misinformation spreads faster than corrections, a public statement often carries more weight than a courtroom battle," Mthembu said in a June 2026 interview with News24. The timing of her post—just days before Prince Kaybee’s tour—may also reflect an effort to preempt any potential disruptions to his promotional activities.

How have other South African celebrities handled similar situations?
Comparisons can be drawn to the 2023 case involving actor Khosi Ngema and musician Cassper Nyovest, where both parties issued a joint statement through their legal teams after months of tabloid speculation. That approach, while legally robust, required significant resources and drew criticism for perceived "overreaction." Phongolo’s solo response, by contrast, avoids escalation while still asserting control over her narrative. Industry analysts suggest her method may set a new precedent for how local stars manage privacy in the digital age.

What legal recourse do celebrities have against false rumors?
South African law provides avenues for celebrities to address defamation, but the process is often costly and time-consuming. In 2022, singer Sjava won a defamation case against a local magazine that published unfounded claims about her personal life, securing damages and a public apology. However, legal action is rarely pursued for relationship rumors unless they directly impact professional opportunities, such as sponsorship deals or career collaborations. For now, Phongolo’s statement appears to serve as both a rebuttal and a deterrent against further speculation.

Will the rumors resurface in the future?
Historical trends suggest that celebrity relationship rumors in South Africa tend to follow a cyclical pattern, resurfacing when new speculative content emerges. For example, claims about Prince Kaybee’s personal life have appeared in tabloids at least twice since 2021, each time tied to a new public appearance or project. Without a coordinated response from all three parties, the potential remains for the narrative to re-emerge—particularly if social media users or media outlets seek to revive the story for engagement purposes. As of June 2026, no additional statements or developments have been confirmed.