Pearl Thusi dragged online after controversial tribute story at DJ Warras’ memorial

Pearl Thusi’s speech at DJ Warras’ memorial service lands her in hot water

What was meant to be a heartfelt tribute turned into a viral controversy after Pearl Thusi honoured her late friend and former co-host, DJ Warras, at his memorial service.

The actress-turned-DJ took to the podium to reflect on their long-standing friendship and years of working closely together, but one personal story she shared quickly overshadowed her message and sparked backlash online.

DJ Warras, a respected radio and television personality, was fatally shot in Johannesburg on Tuesday, 16 December 2025. Friends, family and industry colleagues gathered days later to celebrate his life and legacy.

During the service on Friday, 19 December, Thusi spoke fondly about their bond, recalling memories from hosting gigs together and their time on Live Amp.

However, social media users were left stunned when her tribute veered into what many felt was oversharing.

In her speech, Pearl recounted an incident after a Castle Lite gig where Warras was anxious about missing his early-morning flight.

According to her, he insisted they share a hotel room so he wouldn’t oversleep, despite her initial discomfort.

“I was like, ‘Friend, no,’” she said, explaining that she worried about how the situation might look. She added that Warras tried to reassure her, saying, “You’re my son. Don’t worry, friend. We’re gonna put the pillows and everything. I just want to cuddle.”

While Thusi framed the moment as an example of their sibling-like relationship and said his carefree attitude helped her ignore public opinion, the story did not sit well with many online users.

Although some mourners at the venue laughed, social media erupted with criticism, with many accusing Thusi of being inappropriate at a memorial service and insensitive to the late DJ’s partner.

Entertainment commentator Phil Mphela weighed in on X, writing, “YES! Her anecdote was cringe and oversharing … Even insensitive to the deceased’s current partner, if you will. Mara yoh! When some of you target or dislike someone, you are relentless. The commitment you put in is something else. If you only treated criminals, rapists and murderers with the same verve we’d have a great country.”

Others were less forgiving. One user commented, “There are somethings I won’t share with the public no matter how innocent they are.”

Another wrote, “What home-wrecking style is this? Gon wreck man’s home even when he gone.”

Podcast and Chill co-host Sol Phenduka reacted with laughing emojis, posting, “🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣.”

Despite the intense dragging, a handful of users came to Thusi’s defence, arguing that her story was taken out of context and meant to reflect a platonic, brother-sister bond.

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 https://t.co/GQ48DUEHuy

— Thandubuntu (@Solphendukaa) December 20, 2025