Satirist apologises over decade old Chester Missing tweet and video

The creator of the puppet Chester Missing, Conrad Koch, has issued an apology following a complaint to the South African Human Rights Commission (SAHRC) over a tweet and performance video containing racially offensive language. The complaint relates to a tweet posted in 2013 and a performance video from 2014, which Koch acknowledged may have contributed to the circulation of historically offensive racial language. Koch said that although he intended to use satire to challenge racism and social injustice, he recognises that the content may have caused harm.

“I regret this impact. I apologise to those who were hurt or offended,” he said in a statement. As part of the mediation outcome, the performance video that formed part of the complaint has been amended.

A clarification message has been inserted and certain language has been removed to prevent further harm or distress. It is unclear who lodged the complaint with the SAHRC and when it was formally submitted, as the commission has not publicly disclosed the identity of the complainant. Koch said the apology was issued in good faith and was not intended as an admission of legal liability.

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He added that he remains committed to exercising artistic freedom in ways that respect the constitutional values of dignity, equality and non-racialism. The SAHRC facilitated mediation between the parties as part of its mandate to resolve complaints relating to human rights violations and dignity.

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