By Naledi Nyoni
Harare – Socialite Ashley “Mai Jeremaya” Masendeke is at the centre of a moral storm after starring in PaLodge.
PaLodge is a film that features a scene that closely mirrors her recent rape allegations and the subsequent acquittal of the two accused.
Produced by Naiza Boom Films, PaLodge dropped on YouTube and racked up over 75,000 views within 24 hours.
The film’s most talked-about scene shows Mai Jeremaya visibly distressed after an implied sexual assault by three men.
One man crudely checks if his friends are “satisfied,” before adding that he too has “had enough.”
As Mai Jeremaya continues to sob in the scene, asking for transport money to go home, the men abruptly tell her to keep quiet.
The trio goes on to brag that they aren’t afraid of sleeping with a woman without protection because they are virus-free
Online, reactions are fiery.
Some critics accuse the socialite of using the film for shock value and public sympathy.
Others suggest she may be dealing with trauma or mental health issues.
Earlier this month, Harare men Thabo Dube and Martin Charlie were acquitted of raping Mai Jeremaya.
Harare magistrate Letwin Rwodzi ruled the State’s case was riddled with inconsistencies and failed to disprove the defence’s claim of consensual sex.
“From a clear analysis, the complainant’s evidence is unsatisfactory. I conclude so because in the present case, both accused gave their own explanation, which was not rebutted by the state.
“Inconsistencies fly in the face of the complainant’s evidence. On the other hand, the accused have remained consistent that the encounter was consensual.
“The complainant gave three different and inconsistent statements to the police. She told the court that she was told to change her statement by one of the police but the state did not call that police officer to testify,” said Rwodzi.
Whether PaLodge is art imitating life or a cry for help, one thing is clear Mai Jeremaya knows how to spark conversation and controversy.
