Connie Ferguson Under Fire for Missing Presley Chweneyagae’s Funeral: A Social Media Storm Erupts
South African actress and media mogul Connie Ferguson found herself at the center of a social media storm after her absence at the funeral of beloved actor Presley Chweneyagae on June 7, 2025. The acclaimed actor, best known for his Oscar-winning role in Tsotsi and his portrayal of Thuso “Cobra” Mokoena in The River, tragically passed away on May 27 at the age of 40 due to natural causes.
Chweneyagae’s death sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry, and his funeral at the Akasia Community Hall in Pretoria became a moment for the country to mourn the loss of a talented performer. However, what followed was an unexpected controversy involving Ferguson’s absence from the service.
The Criticism: A Growing Wave of Backlash
Ferguson’s nonattendance at the emotional occasion quickly became a topic of heated discussion online. Many fans took to social media to express their disappointment, with some accusing the actress of being “disrespectful” and “wrong” for not showing up to honor a man who had supported her during her own husband’s death. Shona Ferguson, her late husband, passed away in 2021, and several online commentators were quick to highlight that Chweneyagae had publicly shown support to Connie during that difficult time.
One particularly viral post on X (formerly Twitter) went as far as to describe her absence as “disgusting,” which fueled even more online speculation and negativity. For many, the expectation that Ferguson would attend the funeral was rooted in the belief that this was an important moment for mutual respect between colleagues in the entertainment industry.
The Defense: Empathy and Understanding Amidst the Criticism
Despite the growing backlash, many of Ferguson’s supporters were quick to defend her, emphasizing that public figures like her often face a difficult balancing act when it comes to personal commitments and emotional challenges.
Supporters pointed out that Ferguson had recently launched the highly anticipated Kings of Jo’Burg 3 — a project that was likely in the works for months and required her full attention. They reminded critics that Ferguson, like many others, may have been dealing with the emotional toll of public mourning and funerals, which can be mentally and physically exhausting. One user on X summed up this sentiment, writing, “Do you understand how triggering funerals are? Give people a break.”
Additionally, other users called for an end to the “hate and negativity,” encouraging netizens to remember that personal choices, like whether or not to attend a funeral, do not necessarily indicate malice or disrespect.
The Larger Conversation: Public Figures and Personal Boundaries
The intense debate surrounding Ferguson’s absence highlights a deeper issue: the immense pressure public figures face to be present at every event, even when it’s emotionally or logistically challenging for them. While some argue that celebrities owe it to their fans and peers to show up for major life events, others stress that personal boundaries and mental health should not be overlooked in favor of public expectations.
The divide in the online conversation also underscores the polarized nature of celebrity culture, where admiration for a public figure can quickly turn to criticism when expectations aren’t met.
Conclusion: A Lesson in Empathy and Perspective
In the wake of the online frenzy, it’s clear that the public’s reaction to Ferguson’s absence at Presley Chweneyagae’s funeral is a reflection of larger societal pressures placed on celebrities. While the backlash may have been swift and harsh, it also offers a valuable reminder about the need for empathy, understanding, and respect for the personal boundaries of others — regardless of their public status.
As the conversation continues to unfold, one thing is certain: the scrutiny faced by public figures is relentless, and balancing personal grief with professional obligations is not always an easy feat.
