Doja Cat has once again publicly criticized her father, actor Dumisani Dlamini, accusing him of being absent in her life. In an updated social media bio, she labeled him a “deadbeat,” remarking, “My dad’s a deadbeat but I did well.”
Taking to Instagram on Monday, Doja Cat stirred up attention by addressing her father directly, sarcastically offering to replenish his makeup supplies with a pointed insult. Despite her outspokenness, Doja Cat has acknowledged her father’s occasional presence on her social media posts.
In a 2017 interview with TshisaLIVE, Dumisani discussed his relationship with Doja Cat. Following his involvement in the Sarafina! tour, he chose to remain in America, where he had two children with a Jewish-American woman, including Doja Cat. Despite attempts to relocate his family to South Africa, Dumisani returned alone after 15 years, maintaining contact with his children.
Expressing pride in his daughter’s global success, Dumisani emphasized his affection for all his children, refuting claims of strained relationships. He stated, “I am close to my kids, all of them. I love them, and they love me.” He praised Doja Cat’s achievements, attributing them to her innate talent inherited from him and his other children.
In a subsequent interview with Tshisalive, Dumisani clarified the circumstances of his fatherhood, detailing his extended stay in New York after his Broadway performance in Voices of Sarafina. He disclosed his relationship with Deborah, the mother of two of his children, including Doja Cat, and his eventual return to South Africa due to homesickness. Despite challenges in bringing his U.S. family back, Dumisani affirmed his close bond with all his children, expressing pride in their accomplishments. He emphasized the significance of Doja Cat’s success as a testament to their shared talent, urging South Africa to celebrate her achievements.