Pearl Thusi’s speech at DJ Warras’ memorial service lands her in hot water
A tribute that was expected to be poignant turned into a contentious issue after Pearl Thusi paid homage to her departed friend and former co-host, DJ Warras, during his memorial.
The actress and DJ addressed the attendees to share insights about their enduring friendship and collaborative experiences. However, a personal anecdote she disclosed quickly eclipsed the intended sentiment, leading to widespread criticism online.
DJ Warras, a well-known figure in radio and television, was shot in Johannesburg on December 16, 2025. In the days that followed, friends, family, and colleagues came together to honor his memory.
During the service on December 19, Thusi reminisced about their friendship, sharing anecdotes from their time hosting shows together and their collaboration on Live Amp.
However, many in attendance and on social media were taken aback when her tribute took what they perceived to be an inappropriate turn.
Thusi recounted a moment after a Castle Lite event when Warras was nervous about potentially missing his early flight.
She mentioned that he proposed they stay in the same hotel room to avoid oversleeping, which made her uncomfortable initially.
“I was like, ‘Friend, no,’” she shared, expressing concern about how this arrangement might be interpreted. Warras reassured 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 presented the situation as an example of their sibling-like connection, many viewers online found the story to be distasteful.
While guests at the memorial shared some laughter, social media users responded with backlash, accusing Thusi of insensitivity at an event honoring the late DJ’s life.
Entertainment analyst Phil Mphela commented on X, stating, “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 echoed similar sentiments. One commenter remarked, “There are some things I won’t share with the public no matter how innocent they are.”
Another user questioned, “What home-wrecking style is this? Going to wreck man’s home even when he’s gone.”
Podcast and Chill co-host Sol Phenduka reacted with laughter, expressing himself with emojis.
Despite the backlash, a few users defended Thusi, suggesting that her story was taken out of context and was intended to illustrate a platonic sibling bond.
🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 https://t.co/GQ48DUEHuy
— Thandubuntu (@Solphendukaa) December 20, 2025
