S'dumo Mtshali has opened up about the real-life consequences of playing one of Netflix's most despised characters, Jonasi Gomora from 'The Polygamist.' In a CNN interview that surfaced on TikTok on July 21, 2026, Mtshali and co-star Gugu Gumede discussed the show's success and the blurred lines between fiction and reality for fans.
Fans Still Call Him Jonasi
Mtshali revealed that strangers regularly approach him and address him as 'Yoh' or 'Jonasi' instead of his real name. He recalled a TikTok post where a fan commented that 'Joyce has moved on with the minister,' treating the fictional storyline as real. 'Come on, guys, give us... we can't do other work, we can't do other characters,' he said, laughing.
Owning the Title of Most Hated Man
When asked if he was prepared to be called the most hated man on Netflix, Mtshali responded, 'I'll own the title. It's okay for now.' He added, 'I understood that this responsibility with this character is going to put me in a bad light. A seriously bad light. But the story needs to be told.'
Distinguishing Polygamy from 'Dirt'
Mtshali drew a sharp line between Jonasi's behavior and polygamy. 'This isn't polygamy. This is... this is dirt,' he said, laughing. He had explored polygamy in previous projects but emphasized that Jonasi's actions were extreme.
Netizens React
On Facebook, fans commented on the interview. Shiro Muitung'u wrote, 'Jonassi is a fire that burns from afar.' Mercy Makhanu added, 'The same applies to women towards their men.' Sylvia Sly noted, 'Joy is still in love, look at how she looks at Jonasi.'
Davido Rejects Jonasi Tag
In related news, Nigerian singer Davido shut down comparisons to Jonasi Gomora in a light-hearted video. When a fan asked his opinion on the show, Davido grinned and said, 'People that were calling me Jonasi, I am not Jonasi.'
