Doja Cat’s dad, Dumisani Dlamini, breaks silence on the deadbeat label after fresh online heat from his daughter’s recent prank and old family wounds. The South African actor and dancer, known for his role in Sarafina!, stepped forward to defend his name and share his side of a long-strained relationship that’s back in the spotlight.
This round started when Doja Cat, fresh off her show in Pretoria as part of the Global Citizen’s Move Afrika Tour, posted a TikTok clip she called “The Deadbeat Chronicles.” In it, she recounted messaging her father about attending her concert. He reportedly said no because she doesn’t call or text enough on WhatsApp.
Instead of sending real tickets, she sent a link to gay porn and told him it would get him in. The story went viral fast – fans laughed, some cringed, and the “deadbeat” tag stuck harder than ever. Doja even captioned it that way, echoing things she’s said before about their distant connection.
Dumisani didn’t stay quiet long. In recent interviews and social media shares circulating now, he pushed back strongly. “I’m going to tell the world that I’m not going to be used by a white woman with three kids,” he said, pointing to Doja’s mom, Deborah Sawyer.
He insisted he’s always loved his kids and provided for them. “My name and reputation are those of a good man; I love my kids. I took care of my kids… I never left my kids. He claimed Doja’s view got shaped by her mother’s influence, saying she came to South Africa with chances to meet him but “faked it”.
He sounded emotional wrapping up. “What I want to say to you guys is, I’m sorry if I ever touched anyone’s nerves. I’m a man of integrity, respect and love. Please don’t hate my baby. Please don’t say things about my baby.”
That plea stood out – asking people to go easy on Doja despite the tension. He repeated he was proud of her success as one of the top artists out there and begged fans not to turn on her over family messes.
The back-and-forth isn’t brand new. Doja has talked openly for years about barely knowing her dad. In old interviews, she said they’ve never really met face-to-face, though he pops up in comments sometimes.
Dumisani has told his version too, claiming he tried reaching out but got blocked by her team or management. He left the US years ago for South Africa, hoping the family would follow, but it never happened.
Doja grew up mostly with her mom and siblings in California, building her career from scratch on SoundCloud before exploding globally.
This latest chapter ties into her Africa tour, which brought her closer to her dad’s home turf. The Pretoria show drew huge crowds, but the personal drama stole some headlines.
Online, reactions split quickly. Some side with Doja, calling the prank savage but understandable after feeling abandoned. Others feel for Dumisani, saying he’s tried and the mom’s role got overlooked.
Comments flood in with everything from jokes about the link to serious takes on co-parenting gone wrong and how fame twists family stories.
Dumisani’s words carry weight because of his own spotlight. As Crocodile in Sarafina!, he helped tell South Africa’s anti-apartheid story through dance and acting.
Now in his later years, he wants to set the record straight – not just for himself, but to shield his daughter from extra hate. He accused media and narratives of painting him unfairly, even bringing up racial angles in some chats where he said Doja’s mum pushed ideas that turned her against him.
Doja hasn’t responded directly to his latest comments yet. She’s kept busy with tour stops and her usual bold online style. Fans watch closely for any follow-up – maybe another video, maybe silence.
Either way, this father-daughter rift keeps pulling eyes because it’s raw and real in a world where celebs usually hide the messy parts.
Family strains like this happen everywhere, but when one side’s a global star, every word gets dissected. Dumisani’s defence reminds people, “There’s always another angle.” He ends by asking for grace toward Doja – no hate, just understanding.
