Lebo M reacts to Meghan’s Mandela claims: ‘I don’t remember’

Lebo M is finally spilling the tea on claims he allegedly compared Meghan Markle to Nelson Mandela, and his response is just as surprising.

The South African actor was targeted by social media users as the local Lion King cast member who reportedly made the controversial comments to the royal at the 2019 movie premiere in London.

This, after fellow SA act John Kani claimed that he had never met Meghan nor spoken to her.

In an interview with The Cut on Monday 29 August, Meghan claims that a South African cast member of The Lion King pulled her aside at the 2019 London premiere, during which they made the controversial comparison.

ALSO READ: John Kani NEVER met Meghan: Who made Mandela comparison?

‘I DON’T REMEMBER’

According to Meghan’s comments in The Cut, one of the production cast members approached her and revealed how South Africans had “likened” her royal wedding to a historically significant moment in the country.

She said in her interview: “He looked at me, and he’s just like light. He said, ‘I just need you to know: When you married into this family, we rejoiced in the streets the same we did when Mandela was freed from prison”.

Speaking to MailOnline, Lebo M revealed that he had met Meghan and Prince Harry at the event. He said: “Indeed I was at The Lion King 2019 premiere and met the royals”.

However, the popular composer and playwright fell short of admitting to making the comment that has sparked backlash around the world.

He added: “I cannot comment on the matter as it was three years ago. I don’t remember details of that conversation which was less than a minute. Eexcept the Royals were going to South Africa or Botswana. 

“I’m the only South African directly associated with both The Lion King films and the Broadway productions”.

John Kani only voiced Rafiki. Lebo M, is one of the original composers of Lion King "Circle of Life" song and played a huge role in the soundtrack of the movie. He is the only Black SAfrican that attended the premier in London. pic.twitter.com/xHKhsct0fB

— SussexSquadSA (@LesPortia) August 31, 2022

Lebo M also sought to distance himself from the drama. He added: “’As a South African, I’m not sure if this is important to most of us facing serious domestic issues. I’d like to not be dragged into this issue from three years ago either way”.

Both veteran actorJohn Kani and Nelson Mandela’s grandson Mandla Mandela have taken offence to Meghan Markle’s statement.

Kani called Meghan’s statement a “faux pas”, whilst Mandla added that “overcoming 60 years of Apartheid is not the same as marrying a white prince”.

ALSO READ: Meghan compares herself to MANDELA, Mandla claps back!

VIDEO FOOTAGE MEETING MEGHAN AND HARRY

In clips circulating on social media, Lebo M is seen greeting VIP guests Meghan and Harry at the premiere.

In one clip, the Coming Home reality star is heard saying: “It’s an honour to meet you. Everyone in South Africa’s heard of Meghan Markle”.

When Harry tells Lebo M of their forthcoming trip to Southern Africa, Lebo adds: “Oh, fantastic. Better be seeing you then”.

Lebo M has also previously praised Prince Harry’s decision to distance himself from the British Royal Family.

On Instagram, Lebo M hailed Harry’s statement in January 2020 as “inspiring” and “authentic”.

ALSO READ: A move to Mzansi? Meghan drops new bombshells in interview