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Daily Mirror
Daily Mirror
Entertainment
Sofia Petkar

Strictly judge Motsi Mabuse targeted by white supremacists in major security scare

Strictly Come Dancing’s newest judge Motsi Mabuse has been targeted by a white supremacist group in a major security scare for her safety.

Security has been beefed up for all the Strictly stars last week following “specific and very sinister” death threats.

According to The Sun on Sunday, Motsi was singled out by vile racists who bombard the 38-year-old with sickening abuse hours after she was unveiled as the replacement for Dame Darcey Bussell.

A show insider claimed: “This racist group clearly objected to Motsi taking a seat on the panel, and it was their response which triggered the increase in security.

“Strictly rightly take the safety of their stars very seriously, and felt that the move was warranted. And they would rather be over than under cautious.”

Motsi joined the Strictly Come Dancing judging panel this year replacing Dame Darcey Bussell (BBC/Ray Burmiston)

It is not the first time the judge, who is also a former professional dancer herself, has been targeted by racist trolls.

She received death threats while living in Germany where she was a judge on the German version of Strictly.

Opening up about the ordeal, Motsi recently said: “I’ve learnt the power of words. I’ve had the worst thrown at me.

"Racism is very extreme and it has become worse in recent years.

“People are feeling, for some reason, ‘We can attack’.

“They write some bad stuff - they’re gonna ‘hit you with a baseball bat’ and call me ‘monkey’.”

Motsi's younger sister Oti is a Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer and is paired with Kelvin Fletcher this year (instagram)

But she bravely added: “I’ve learnt to not look that deeply into what people say as it’s mostly a reflection of themselves.”

Details of the white supremacists targeting the stunning South African have not been disclosed, with BBC bosses allegedly keen not to give them any publicity.

It was revealed last week that the Strictly studios had been placed on lockdown, as BBC bosses drafted in former military personnel as guards.

Contestants were allegedly also given secret codenames during a security briefing, with all the stars reportedly banned from posting photos from training in case venues were identifiable.

The BBC said: “We have extensive security measures in place to protect cast, crew and audience, and arrangements are reviewed on a regular basis.”

Motsi’s sister Oti is one of the Strictly pros, and has been partnered with this year’s favourite Kelvin Fletcher.

The pair topped the leader board in week one, but fell short in week two following some harsh criticism by the judges.

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