Forbes Family On Melinda Ferguson’s Book On AKA – “we do not endorse it… distasteful and opportunistic “
In a recent press statement, the family of South African hip-hop artist AKA, whose real name was Kiernan Forbes, expressed their dissociation and displeasure with the upcoming book by Melinda Ferguson titled “When Love Kills.” The book reportedly delves into the relationship between AKA and Anele Tembe, and the circumstances surrounding their tragic deaths.
According to the statement issued by Tony and Lynn Forbes, AKA’s parents, the family has no ties to Ferguson’s publication and has explicitly stated their non-endorsement. “We are not in any way associated with Melinda Ferguson’s book and we do not endorse it,” the statement read, marking a clear boundary between the Forbes family and the author’s narrative.
The statement also highlighted that Ferguson had approached the Forbes family for their input in her book, an offer they turned down. “When Melinda reached out to us, we respectfully and rightfully declined to contribute to her book,” they disclosed, suggesting a commitment to maintaining their privacy amidst ongoing public scrutiny.
Furthermore, the Forbes family criticized the timing and motive behind the book’s publication, labeling it as “distasteful and opportunistic.” This remark underscores the family’s discomfort with the potential sensationalization of their personal tragedy, which continues to attract significant media attention.
The couple’s relationship and subsequent demise have been the subject of intense media focus, making headlines both locally and internationally. AKA was a beloved figure in the South African music scene, known for hits like “Fela In Versace” and “Baddest.” His untimely death in February 2022, following that of Anele Tembe in April 2021, has left many fans mourning and speculating.
As of now, the Forbes family has refrained from commenting further on the specifics of the book, citing a lack of comprehensive knowledge about its contents. However, their initial statement firmly positions them against the commercial use of their personal loss.
Read full statement below;
“Johannesburg, Monday, 15 April 2024
We are not in any way associated with Melinda Ferguson’s book and we do not endorse it. In the same breath we distance ourselves from the contents of the book.
When Melinda reached out to us, we respectfully and rightfully declined to contribute to her book.
At this stage we cannot give any further comment on the book as we are unaware of its contents. We do however find the intended publication of the book and the timing distasteful and opportunistic.
Tony and Lynn Forbes”
