Melinda Ferguson Faces Backlash Over Unauthorized Book on Anele Tembe and AKA's Tragic Love Story

Melinda Ferguson, an award-winning journalist and bestselling author, has come under fire for her upcoming book "When Love Kills: The Tragic Tale of AKA and Anele," which delves into the tumultuous relationship between slain rapper Kiernan "AKA" Forbes and his late fiancée Anele Tembe. Both the Tembe and Forbes families have distanced themselves from the book project, stating that they were not consulted and do not endorse its contents.

The book covers the circumstances surrounding the tragic death of 21-year-old Anele Tembe, who died in April 2021 after falling from the 10th floor of a hotel in Cape Town following a night of heated arguing with AKA. It also explores the couple's alleged toxic obsession, substance abuse, and violence. In February 2023, AKA was gunned down outside a restaurant in Durban, with many believing it was a hit to avenge Anele's death.

AKA's parents, Tony and Lynn Forbes, have called the timing of the book "distasteful and opportunistic, emphasizing that they do not associate with its contents. The Tembe family has also denied any involvement with the project. Anele's father, Moses Tembe, has spoken out for the first time since his daughter's passing, expressing his desire for AKA to take the stand as either a suspect or witness in the investigation into Anele's death.

Why this matters: The tragic love story of Anele Tembe and AKA has captured the nation's attention, raising important questions about domestic violence, mental health, and the pressures of fame. The unauthorized book has reignited the debate surrounding the couple's tumultuous relationship and the circumstances leading to their untimely deaths.

Ferguson has acknowledged the emotional toll of working on the book and the challenges she faced, including leaks of its contents on social media. She has defended her decision to write the book, stating that she was compelled to grasp the narrative of the couple's "toxic affection" and shed light on the issues they faced. While the Forbes family wanted nothing to do with the project, Ferguson claims that the Tembe family gave their blessing.

Tembe Inquest Delay: The inquest into Anele Tembe's death, which was set to begin this week, has been delayed again due to factors such as the National Prosecuting Authority's alleged failure to submit commissioned affidavits or witness statements and the absence of the new executor of AKA's estate. Meanwhile, seven men are on trial for the murder of AKA, with two suspects arrested in Eswatini awaiting extradition to South Africa.

Women For Change Supports Ferguson's Book: Gender-based violence organization Women For Change has backed Ferguson's book, with founder Sabrina Walter expressing support and stating that it will give Anele a voice and potentially provide more answers about what happened on that fateful day in April 2021. "The book documents the couple's tumultuous relationship and their untimely deaths," Walter said. "It will give Anele a voice and potentially provide more answers about what happened."

Key Takeaways

• Melinda Ferguson's book on AKA and Anele Tembe's relationship faces backlash.
• Tembe and Forbes families distance themselves from the book, citing lack of consultation.
• Book explores couple's toxic relationship, substance abuse, and violence leading to deaths.
• Inquest into Anele's death delayed, while 7 men stand trial for AKA's murder.
• Women For Change backs the book, saying it will give Anele a voice and provide answers.