A significant controversy erupted following Pearl Thusi’s tribute to the late DJ Warras at his memorial and funeral service on Friday, December 19. Norma Mansoor, a family friend and mother of rapper Chad da Don, publicly slammed Thusi's speech on her X account, deeming it “pathetic” and accusing the media personality of insensitivity towards DJ Warras’s children and baby mamas. Mansoor directly addressed Warras’s family, emphasizing the DJ’s love for his sons and his respect for their mothers, while condemning Pearl Thusi for making the moment about herself. Her sentiment was echoed by many other South African X users who publicly criticized Thusi.

During her tribute, Pearl Thusi recounted a personal anecdote about sharing a bed with DJ Warras during a trip to Cape Town. She explained that Warras, concerned about missing an early morning flight to Johannesburg, insisted they share a room. According to Thusi, he proposed placing pillows between them, stating, “I just need a cuddle.” She further clarified that she was worried about public perception but emphasized that their relationship was akin to “brother and sister,” and indeed they slept and cuddled with pillows separating them. She recalled Warras expressing gratitude, saying, “Thank you, my friend, I really appreciate it.”

The widespread criticism of Pearl Thusi’s “attention-seeking” tribute to DJ Warras led to the resurfacing of her testimony and a police report concerning her harrowing encounter with convicted rapist and murderer Thabo Bester. This past incident, which Thusi had initially shared in 2011, gained renewed attention amidst the ongoing public scrutiny.

Pearl Thusi first recounted her experience with Thabo Bester, then known as the “Facebook Rapist,” back in 2011. She claimed to have received a Facebook invitation from Bester for an audition for a television gig in Sandton, which promised a substantial payment of R70,000 per month. She drove Bester to the supposed audition in her car, only to soon realize that she had been lured under false pretenses.

In the car, Bester pulled out a knife and threatened Thusi’s life. She described her internal state during the terrifying ordeal, stating, “My mind is racing, my adrenaline is pumping. I’d never felt so stupid.” She confronted him, asking, “Why are you doing this?” Her chilling experience was later relived and detailed in the Netflix docuseries “Beauty and the Bester,” which premiered in September.

Despite the traumatic event, Pearl Thusi managed to convince Thabo Bester to visit her pastor and even gifted him a Bible. Although she personally declined to call the police at that time, she claims Bester ultimately ended up in the back of a police van. Reflecting on the encounter, she emotionally stated, “I had no clue what I was dealing with; he is a psychopath. I couldn’t have helped him.”