‘I stand with my brothers and sisters in SA': Viola Davis slams ‘white genocide' narrative

TimesLIVE

27-05-2025

American actress Viola Davis has joined the chorus of voices condemning the unfounded narrative about a 'white genocide' in SA.
The claims, recently pushed by US President Donald Trump, suggest white Afrikaners are being persecuted, which led him to provide them with refugee status.
Viola took to social media to express her solidarity with the people of SA, sharing a video clip of CNN anchor Abby Phillip shutting down the 'white genocide' claims.
'It's not true there's a white genocide in South Africa,' Abby said.
'Most people killed on farms are black. Where is the concern about that? Why are you more concerned about white people?'
Viola echoed her sentiments, citing her personal experiences in SA.
'I spent a lot of time in Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Franschhoek, Paarl, and Durban. There is no argument. There is no justification. I've seen the ravages of apartheid. I've seen the townships — all black. Full stop,' she said.
'Thank you, Abby, for speaking truth to power. I stand with my brothers and sisters in South Africa. Ngiyakuthanda (I love you).'
The actress has always expressed her deep connection with SA. She filmed the Hollywood blockbuster The Woman King in South Africa.
Her appreciation for African culture is evident in her fashion choices, often embracing African prints and jewellery. Viola has also expressed admiration for SA struggle heroes, including Winnie Madikizela-Mandela and Archbishop Desmond Tutu.
She previously described Winnie as 'a woman who epitomised how the power of a woman's love, intelligence and vision can change a culture.'
She said the archbishop was a 'titan' for civil rights.