United Showbiz is not a political show, says Mzgee

Host of UTV’s United Showbiz programme, Mzgee has strongly refuted claims that the entertainment programme intentionally stirs political discussions to serve the interest of a political party.

She emphasised that United Showbiz is focused on highlighting issues that seek the welfare of the entertainment industry and not politics.

MzGee made the comments when she got back on set after a group of young men of the ruling New Patriotic Party invaded the studios of UTV during the live telecast of United Showbiz on Saturday.

She mentioned that celebrities were just like ordinary Ghanaian citizens with rights to comment on issues of national interest.

In her words,” uninvited guests that we don’t know where they are coming from interrupted the live programme. It is not our wish to take a long break but circumstances beyond our control made that happen.

“I want to correct a misconception and let people know that this United Showbiz is an entertainment show. In fact, it is showbiz analysis programme where we discuss what trends on social media.

“In this regard, if creatives embark on a demonstration to demand accountability from government or better living conditions, why can’t it be discussed on the show?

“We don’t do politics but when a trending happens, we also have a right to talk about it since creatives also pay tax, buy fuel and equally seek development. Hence, when an event happens and entertainment personalities take part, we also have the right to discuss it.

“We are pleading with everyone to understand that politics and governance is important to all of us that is why we also discuss such issues,” she said.

Background

A group of NPP members stormed to studios of UTV last Saturday over claims of United Showbiz being a platform to speak against the ruling New Patriotic Party and the government.

The unfortunate incident which has sparked conversations on press freedom has been condemned by the National Media Commission, Ministry of Information and the opposition National Democratic Congress (NDC).