“I have to remind myself that people’s hatred of Thembeka is not a reflection on me”- Masasa Mbangeni

It’s characters like Thembeka Shezi on Scandal that make you want to tear your hair out sometimes. Like… is there anyone in the world that’s that self-centered and manupulating? Well, we hope not. Fortunately, though, the face behind the flawed character, Masasa “Lindiwe” Mbangeni, has proven to be quite the philanthropist and pioneer for young women in real life, which only goes to show that she’s just an incredible actress as opposed to the ruthless role she plays on the soapie.

Actress Masasa Mbangeni, who plays Thembeka on ETV’s popular soapie Scandal, has been subjected to online abuse about her role, prompting the star to close all her social media accounts. If you regularly watch the episodes of “Scandal” you probably aren’t a huge fan of Quinton Nyathi’s wife Thembeka.

Fans have seen her as a manipulating, conniving, backstabbing person who can do anything to get her own way, even if it includes someone getting hurt in the process. But then again, people shouldn’t take things at heart. It’s just acting and that’s the point Masasa is always stressing. While she enjoys her convincing portrayal of the character, she admits that the misconceptions about playing such a character can be hurtful.

Here’s part of her response to the message board haters: