‘South Africa is not that bad’: Mel Viljoen on coming home [video]
· The South African
Mel Viljoen has conceded that “South Africa is not that bad” after returning home from being in a “horrible” US ICE detention centre.
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The Real Housewives star and her husband, Peet Viljoen, were arrested on charges of shoplifting in March, and later detained at an immigration centre.
While Mel chose to depart the country voluntarily, Peet is awaiting an appearance before an immigration judge.
She has since enjoyed luxury spoils, such as a five-star bush getaway and plenty of champagne and good food.
MEL VILJOEN: ‘SOUTH AFRICA IS NOT THAT BAD’
Speaking to Jacaranda FM, Mel Viljoen revealed that she was “happy to be home” after her “horrible” experience at an ICE detention facility.
Mel claims that ICE unfairly detained both her and Peet, adding: “It is the most horrific abuse of human rights I have ever seen in my life”
The couple have made headlines over their controversial and racist videos about South Africa and black people. But Mel claims they’ve had a change of heart and realised their perspective was tainted by their experiences.
She told Martin Bester: “If it was personal or came across harsh, I’m truly sorry. I’m embarrassed that it had to reach this point. Our personal experience was with a very limited group of people; it’s not everybody. If we generalised and made everyone think it is all of you, then I am sorry.
“Our perspectives have changed, we’ve seen the world now, how injustice and abuse of human rights really work”.
Mel Viljoen returns to her life of luxury in South Africa.Images via Instagram
Mel added that “South Africa is really not that bad”.
She continued: “It’s stupid to say, but we have Woolworths, they have Whole Foods, it’s not the same. Our food is healthier. We are doing a lot of things right.
“People think America is the land of the free, it’s not, South Africa is”.
‘GIVE US A SECOND CHANCE’
Mel Viljoen appealed to South Africans to forgive them for their past controversies.
She continued: “I’m begging and pleading with South Africans to give us a second chance and to judge us softly.” We are honest and hardworking people.e
“Don’t judge Peet too harshly; his perspective has changed. Let’s forgive each other as we would hope would be done to us”.
‘WE DID NOT FLEE THE COUNTRY’
Speaking to VIA’s Goeimore Good Morning breakfast show last week, Mel Viljoen claimed that US cops unfairly targeted them because of their “celebrity” status.
This included their viral arrest, which she believes was not reflective of facts, as well as being detained by ICE over their pending business visa.
She said of their life in the US: “We didnt flee the country. We immigrated to America to expand our business. America was great”