American singer, Jason Derulo is having to deal with a Twitter backlash from South Africans over a remark he made at the South African Of The Year (SATY) Awards on the night of Saturday, October 17, 2015.
The 26-year-old who was the main act at the awards ceremony angered South Africans after he asked guests if they could speak English.
He had asked the audience to stand up while he performed but when some people wouldn’t rise to their feet, Jason asked the audience: “Y’all speak English, right?”
That question sent the social media world into a frenzy as South Africans reacted. Their reaction forced Jason to issue an explanation via Twitter in the morning of Sunday, October 18, 2015. According to the singer, the question was a figure of speech aimed at just one table.
"Speaking English" remark I made, was directed to a specific table. It wasn't literal, just a figure of speech when someone isn't responding
— Jason Derulo (@jasonderulo) October 17, 2015
Here are some of the remarks made by Twitter user as a result of Jason’s initial remark:
Jason Derulo went to SA and asked if they speak English… Ignoring all of the people who had spoken English to the entire time.
— Bassey Ikpi (@Basseyworld) October 17, 2015
https://twitter.com/Mizzpeehkay/status/655636559090360320
The South African of the year awards were dope, but I left as soon as Jason Derulo asked if we can speak English!! ✋
— BRAGGA (@Nadia_nakai) October 17, 2015
Jason Derulo, at the South African of the Year Awards, asked the audience if they speak English. @BarackObama, please come fetch him.
— Tats Nkonzo (@TatsNkonzo) October 17, 2015
Jason Derulo asking South Africans if they can speak English? Can he even sing? Let's start there 😒
— Beyoncé of the Gays (@YonceKnowles) October 17, 2015
Jason Derulo is one of the millions of people who think that In Africa you can just bump into a lion on the streets
— Tomi Rikhotso (@TomiRikhotso) October 18, 2015
https://twitter.com/Lalla_Hirayama/status/655478107386826752
South Africa when Jason Derulo said "Y'all speak English right?" #SATY2015 pic.twitter.com/2pieSiE1mf
— Maps Maponyane (@MapsMaponyane) October 17, 2015
Yo! Jason Derulo we just want to talk, In English #TheTurnUp #DoweSpeakEnglish pic.twitter.com/VeAeKP9HZT
— Y (@Yfm) October 17, 2015
