Oti Mabuse retires from charity appearance after family tragedy

Oti said she regretted not being able to attend an event organized to raise funds to help those affected by the war in Ukraine following the sudden death of her niece

Distraught Oti Mabuse apologized to fans as she walked away from a charity event following the sudden death of her niece.

The 31-year-old Dancing On Ice judge was heartbroken when her relative Tlhogi, whom the former Strictly star dubbed ‘a sister’, died aged 28.

Oti was due to appear at a charity event on Saturday night to raise funds to help those affected by the ongoing Russian invasion of Ukraine.

However, the star explained that she couldn’t attend the event given her family tragedy – and urged fans to donate to the event.

She wrote on Instagram: “You can’t control the things that happen in life.

“Today’s @otimabusedancestudio and the charity Hospice of Hope are hosting an event and the proceeds will help people and children in Ukraine.

“It’s been a long journey to get to this point and it’s such a shame I can’t compete for it. I sincerely apologize.

“Have a nice evening to all of you, you are certainly in good hands and please know that all your donations will go a long way in helping at this sad time of need.”

Oti previously shared her heartbreaking update on her niece’s death, writing alongside a series of photos: “How was that the last time I held you in my arms? I’m so shattered inside I can’t even begin to describe the pain It’s not supposed to be like this.

“We had plans together to travel the world and dance on a beach in Jamaica for my birthday. Ever since we were 8 years old, I’ve picked you up from daycare, from swimming, from chess every day. You were only 28 and yet the nicest, sweetest person in my life! I lost my niece, my little sister, my best friend”

The devastated star continued, “Life has dealt you the toughest card but you always chose to win, you always fought to come out the other side with a smile on your face.

“I love you with all my heart and now you’re gone and I feel lost in more ways than one by a pain I’ve never felt before. I still call and text you and try to understand – how? Why?

“May you rest in peace and have strength my sweet Tlhogi, greet Koko, Abuti Neo Le Malume Tshepo. I promise to take care of Sesi, Nanikie and Mpho for you x”

Oti’s 40-year-old sister Motsi broke her own silence about her family tragedy on Saturday.

Taking to Instagram, the Strictly Come Dancing judge wrote: “I will not be responding to any questions regarding the unfortunate sad news in our family.

“It is a private matter for me. Please respect my decision.”

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