In a video shared online on 6 July, actress and YouTuber Lerato Nxumalo revealed the main reason she declined a role in the much-talked-about Netflix telenovela The Polygamist.
LERATO NXUMALO DECLINES ROLE ON ‘THE POLYGAMIST’
In a video posted by @Compaqllow on X (Twitter), Lerato mentions that a role in The Polygamist was offered to her, where she would portray a woman living with HIV.
This particular detail of the character was enough for Lerato to give it a pass, fearing that people might confuse her with the character.
She said, “It’s funny that I was offered a role on this show while I was in Sweden…the lady wasn’t one of the main cast or anything like that,” she began.
“The lady would just come into the show and infect someone with HIV and leave. And I was like ngiyesaba (I’m afraid). Imagine people saying I infected someone with HIV and they end up calling my name but not the character,” she added.
tjo, how old is she? :’( pic.twitter.com/87rXIpSieC
— Diet Coke (@Compaqllow) July 6, 2026
Netizens were quite divided on the matter, with some expressing that she contributes to the stigma around HIV while others questioned how long she’s been in the acting industry.
Pinkdoll love wrote: Is she new in the acting industry? wt* is this?
Compaqllow added: No one is debating her right to decline. It’s the harmful reasoning she shared to [with] a following that undoubtedly includes people living with HIV. Media literacy 101.
Loko5890 commented: She reasons like a child; it’s actually quite shocking to see.
While another user wondered if there were other reasons since she had played a prostitute in the cancelled South African soap opera, Scandal!
Palesa_201 wrote: I understand her point. This is the same lady that [who] acted like a prostitute on Scandal! But no one called her that, so it’s not about that she’s lying.
‘THE POLYGAMIST’ IS THE LATEST SHOW IN TOWN
The renowned television company, Stained Glass TV, produced the latest show in town, The Polygamist.
It has garnered significant attention, even from American celebrities such as Taraji P. Henson and Sherri Shepherd, who wrote, “Can we talk about #thepolygamist on @netflix. I thought #crazyrichasians was something, but these #crazyrichafricans is [are] on a whole ‘nother level!!! I can’t turn it off!”
The viewers absolutely loved the cast ensemble, especially applauding Gugu Gumede, who portrayed the role of Joyce Gomora.
Viewers also pointed out that Gugu’s long tenure on Uzalo almost ruined her chances of playing younger characters that are close to her actual age.