As events unfold in the South Gauteng High Court today one thing is becoming clear – as you can see from that picture above Gareth doesn’t like being compared to Oscar.

It appears the relationship between Gareth Cliff and M-Net is all but shattered, the broadcasting giants having some less than complimentary things to say about the (as of now) former Idols judge and radio personality.

Here’s IOL:

“M-Net’s judgement (to fire Cliff) is based on the fact that his tweet elicited massive response, he had created an impression that he is racist, because he defended Sparrow’s statement. That was enough…because a perception was created and it was decided he should not be M-Net brand ambassador for Idols,” argued M-Net’s legal representative Advocate Wim Trengrove.

“His view and conduct elicited widespread response from society, among large constituencies who regard him as racist…he had become a poster boy of racism, that is what he is associated with,” Trengrove said.

As for those Oscar comparisons we turn to the live feed on Channel24:

M-Net: Technically Gareth Cliff is only entitled to be a judge for a week because M-Net can cancel a contract at any time with a week’s notice…

M-Net have the right to decide on whether they wanted Gareth Cliff as a judge and they don’t.

Trengove makes reference to Oscar Pistorius case. Says in Oscar case sponsors exercised their right to terminate their contracts with him because of his damaged reputation which had the ability to tarnish their brand.

Trengrove told the court that indeed, Cliff had the right to say whatever he wanted but he did not have the right to be an Idols judge.

Advocate Dali Mpofu is currently arguing for Cliff’s reinstatement so we will keep you updated as things progress.

[sources:iol&channel24]