Cocktails & Catfights

Christall Kay tells us about the brawl that appears to have led to the end of hit reality show The Real Housewives of Johannesburg

- Kim Abrahams

THEY’RE the first ladies of the Johannesburg social scene: perfectly poised women who fill their days with leisurely luncheons, serious shopping and grand getaways with the girls.

But things aren’t always as rosy as they seem for the cast of The Real Housewives of Johannesburg (RHOJ). There’s been name-calling, wine hurling and scream fests, particularly between co-stars Christall Kay and Brinnette Seopela.

The pair have always had a frosty relationship – at one point they almost came to blows after Christall tried to snatch Brinnette’s wig.

Now it seems reality TV is getting way too real.

What started out as a fun night out turned ugly when Christall was beaten black and blue at a popular nightclub.

Christall claims she and Brinnette had words and that things spiralled out of control when Gugu Khathi, Brinnette’s close friend, got involved and punched her in the eye.

“At one point, Gugu went for my throat with her hands,” Christall says. “She pushed so hard it felt like I was going to lose my windpipe.”

Gugu, however, says she was acting in self-defence after Christall threw the first punch.

The altercation took place a month ago while they were filming scenes for the reality show. Since then, they’ve filed charges against one another and M-Net has cancelled RHOJ.

Christall is crestfallen by the channel’s decision. “The show meant the world to me,” she tells YOU. “My fans saw me as a role model who stands up to bullies. Now there’s no comeback for me.”

But Christall, a qualified lawyer, isn’t letting things go without a fight. She’s opened a case of assault against Gugu because she wants to ensure justice is done, even if it’s not in front of the cameras.