Gareth Cliff off Idols
Radio personality, Gareth Cliff will not be one of the judges of this year's Idols Season 12.
M-Net made the announcement late last night in a statement.
Earlier, this week, Cliff weighed in on the Penny Sparrow saga, after the former Scottburgh estate agent called black beachgoers at Durban's beaches monkeys.
In a tweet, Cliff wrote "people don't understand free speech at all".
He's received criticism for the comment, with many labeling him a racist.
He has since apologised, saying he in no way condones racism and has a lot to learn.
A few days ago following Cliff's comments, M-Net said it currently did not have a contract with the long-time Idols judge and was in the process of reviewing his future with the show.
They have thanked Cliff for the role he has played in helping to develop young talent on the show.
Auditions for the new Idols season get underway at the end of the month.
(File photo)