The post quickly went viral on social media and has been trending for the past two days.
In the post, Penny refers to black people as "monkeys."
Hundreds of people, including high-profile celebrities, have taken to social media to share their views on the post.
On Monday afternoon, Cliff found himself trending on Twitter after users dug into him for his opinions on the matter.
People really don't understand free speech at all: https://t.co/97MWi6jrww
— Gareth Cliff (@GarethCliff) January 4, 2016
He apologised on Tuesday.— Gareth Cliff (@GarethCliff) January 5, 2016This obviously didn't sit well with Twitter users, who lashed out at Cliff, labelling him "racist" and calling for Idols SA to remove him as a judge.
— Nomfundo Mcetywa (@MaMcetywa) January 5, 2016
#GarethCliff is no different from #PennySparrow - he is just smart enough to hide behind Freedom of Speech because his career could die.— PhathuMakwarela (@PhathuMakwarela) January 5, 2016
Watching @IdolsSA with #GarethCliff as a judge is supporting racism and oppression!— Sir Qadi (@SirQadi) January 5, 2016
#GarethCliff and his utterances. Who is he to tell people how to feel? Free speech? Really dude?— Mduduzi Seakamela (@MduBeernong) January 5, 2016
If #GarethCliff wants to lose his seat on idols we will make it possible #PennySparrow #PennySparrowMustFall— Africa (@briella_gab) January 4, 2016
I will never watch @IdolsSA for as long a pale man @GarethCliff is still a judge. #GarethCliff and to hell with his Cliff Central— Franco (@Zuks_Franco) January 4, 2016
#GarethCliff stealing the limelight as usual... pic.twitter.com/P3WulfhSXK— Mickey Ramsey (@Ramonatenat) January 4, 2016
- The JuiceThis @GarethCliff just needs @MbalulaFikile to deal with him. He can definitely put him in his place #GarethCliff #pennysparrow— Kg Raps (@krapulana) January 4, 2016
