Celebrity couple Heinz and Alette Winckler apologise for controversial ‘fatphobic’ remarks

Celebrity couple issues statement after backlash over podcast comments. Celebrity pastor and formerIdols South Africawinner Heinz Winckler and his wife, Alette‑Johanni Winckler, were forced into damage control this week after a storm of online outrage over comments they made on their podcast were deemed fat‑phobic. “There are so many church leaders who are overweight…Gluttony is a sin according to the bible,” said Alette.

Winckleragreed with his wife’s views and shared his of his own. However, due to online backlash, the couple have changed their tune. TheWincklerssaid their comments, which touched on sensitive topics such as health and weight, were not expressed with the care, compassion, and responsibility they deserved, adding that while they never intended to judge or hurt anyone, the way their words were communicated had clearly caused pain.

“We acknowledge that our words, specifically around sensitive topics such as health and weight, were not expressed with the care, compassion, and responsibility they deserved.” They went on to explain that their aim had always been to uplift and encourage, not to condemn or shame. The couple referenced scripture and the significance of Passover, expressing deep conviction and a desire to reconcile with those they offended. “Our heart has always been to uplift, to encourage, to edify, and to call out the gold in people, never to condemn or to break down,” they said.