Pearl Thusi on DJ Warras tribute criticism: 'Words hurt'

Updated | By Entertainment Reporter

Pearl Thusi addresses DJ Warras tribute backlash.

Pearl Thusi shows off her afro — Pearl Thusi/ Instagram

Pearl Thusi is speaking out after scores of social media users slammed her tribute to DJ Warras, whose real name is Warrick Stock.

Warras was shot dead in the Johannesburg CBD last week, and Thusi was one of several stars who attended his memorial service on Friday, December 19.

The actress and her daughter, Thandolwethu Mokoena, gave tearful tributes at the service.

During her tribute, Thusi shared a funny story about how Warras once wanted to share a room with her so that he wouldn't miss his flight.

A clip from her speech quickly went viral, with many calling it "inappropriate".

"Some things are better left unsaid," one X user wrote. A second said: "Is this now the only memory she thought needs sharing?"

A third X user thought her comments were in poor taste as the slain DJ's family, including his three children, were in attendance.

"So, Pearl Thusi decided to tell the country at DJ Warras' memorial that they once shared a bed at an out of town gig they attended together because apparently Warras was afraid of sleeping in his own room and oversleep and miss his flight; but he insisted on placing pillows between the two of them. She said this at the man's memorial, where his wife was in attendance. Out of all the stories she chose, that one."

“We went to a Castle Lite gig that we were doing and Warras was so afraid of missing his flight in the morning so he insisted that we stay in the same room so that he wouldn't miss his flight, and I was like ‘friend, no’.” — Pearl Thusi

“He was like, ‘No man, I just need a… pic.twitter.com/XWsad09iJl
— News Live SA (@newslivesa) December 19, 2025

However, many saw nothing wrong with what the 'Queen Sono' star said, saying it was a heartfelt story about their friendship.

Thusi is disappointed with people's reactions to her tribute.

"People are really cruel here. Really cruel," she wrote on X. "And I want to say your words hurt."

The 37-year-old urged South Africans to focus on the real issue at hand - making South Africa a safer place.

"I hope we can put as much effort in saying hurtful things about me in finding a way to changing things so we can have a safer country. I am sorry that my vulnerability in that moment that it offended so many of you."

"I forgot that it’s not only people who knew Warras who’d be there. If we could now move on to something more important that could make a real difference to the situation."

Two suspects have been arrested in connection with Warras' murder. The suspects were picked up at a hostel in Soweto and taken in for questioning on Monday.

They are due in court on Wednesday, December 24.

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People are really cruel here.
Really cruel.
And I want to say your words hurt.
I hope we can put as much effort in saying hurtful things about me in finding a way to changing things so we can have a safer country.

I am sorry that my vulnerability in that moment that it offended…
— Pearl Thusi (@PearlThusi) December 21, 2025