Somizi Mhlongo-Motaung has broken his silence over theft accusations of his cooking show, Dinner At Somizi’s. Taking to Instagram Live on Thursday night, he invited Pearl Thusi and his fans to ask him anything and he promised to be transparent.

Read more: Somizi Throws Shade At “Theft” Accusations

The entertainer went silent on the theft allegations made my Hastings Moeng who claimed that the concept of Dinner Kwa Somizi’s was his brainchild, and that Somizi had stolen it.

Not disputing the fact that he was approached by Hastings to do the show, Somgaga claims that he was approached verbally by Hastings and that the e-mail that was sent was never opened. He further went to add that it is an old e-mail address and that he does not personally open his e-mails, adding that his PA, road manager, manager and his agency open them.

When Somgaga was approached by Hastings in 2013 who gave him a rough idea of what the show is about but it had no clear direction, he declined it as he was just about to start another career as an Idols SA judge. “He could have copyrighten the idea right and sold it to anyone,” he said.

Somizi said they did not go ahead with the idea because there was no clear direction at the time, not knowing that several years later he would eventually start a career in cuisine.

Explaining how the idea of the show erupted from his side, he said that he originally wanted to start a YouTube channel but was contacted by Legend who said he should rather do a Television show, “So I started falling in love with cooking. Then I started my own YouTube Channel. Then Legend called and says no don’t do a cooking show, we’re gonna do a TV show right. Legend came with an idea, I did not like it…I want something that speaks to me, that is me.”

Trying to take the spotlight away from him, Somizi continues his IG Live by stating that this idea is not an original idea and went on to further mention people with similar shows.

Somgaga reiterated, “I did not steal anybody’s concept and I will never again claim I came up with an original concept. I was inspired by a whole lot of shows.”

Coming to his defense, Pearl Thusi pointed out that the e-mail was sent to Legend, the producer of the show, and that he should be the one accused of such.

She then asked Somizi if he and Hastings know eachother on a personal level, he agreed but said “I know him…we’re not that close but I know him,” adding that Hastings should have contacted him privately to resolve the matter.