THE KKD BRAND WILL BE THE LOSER

KKD accused of rape
KKD’s reputation will suffer a deep fracture, no matter the outcome of the verdict. Rebuilding that image maybe the longest and hardest work he’ll ever have to do in his life.

It was in the late hours of Sunday, that I learnt of the arrest of Kwesi Kyei Darkwa, known in the showbiz scene as KKD, on charges of rape. My first reaction was to think of the damage this accusation could cause his brand and reputation both in Ghana and abroad.

Before the case had been called in court, social media ‘lawyers’ and ‘judges’ have tried the case and handed their own verdicts. As the days proceed, the real verdict will be delivered by a competent court of jurisdiction.

Since the arrest of KKD, some women have come out to allege that he abused them sexually years ago. For me, that’s not the issue of bother. My concern is about the man KKD and his leagcy.

This is a man has strived, over a period of 3 decades to build for himself an outlook- a fashion connoisseur, a mentor, an icon on the Ghanaian showbiz landscape. Mention KKD’s name and excellence comes to mind. Now, these ‘investments’ made over these decades are on the verge of evaporation.

KKD’s reputation will, undoubtedly suffer a very deep fracture no matter how the case swings. Whether he is acquitted of all charges or found culpable of raping Effie Orleans-Thompson, his brand will be affected. And the quest to rebuilding his brand will not only take a lot of work but a long walk.

Getting raped (victim) or having an alleged rapist badge on your left breast is a hard, sorrowful, and unimaginably hurtful experience. One could suffer great depression, see his/her confidence evaporate, become docile and even attempt to end it all through suicide. 

Being a victim of rape or getting accused of rape is a heavy cross for anybody to bear.

I recall the story of a friend who was falsely accused of rape and how his life has been affected. The man has become withdrawn and lost interest in establishing a good relationship with women. He considers all women as evil. A once happy going, cool guy has been turned into a recluse courtesy a false charge, even though, his case didn’t go to court since the accuser extorted GHc 2,000 from him to hush the case following an advice from the police who arrested him.

We have seen how famous people accused of rape have lost it all. In the UK for example, BBC Sports Presenter, Stuart Hall got eaten alive by the press. There is also the case of Jimmy Savile, a top notch DJ and TV Presenter who was accused of abusing young girls in the 70s. Dominique Strauss-Khan had his political ambition thrown off the rails following a rape scandal. How can we forget Bill Clinton and Monica Lewinsky whose consensual affair had dented his reputation. For Monica, it has been worse. In Ghana, the likes of Stan Dogbe and rapper, ASEM do get the mud slung at them once in a while.

In the case of KKD ‘the Finest’, I wonder if the likes of Versace, Tommy Hilfiger and the many UK fashion houses who clothe him may still be working with him. And the likes of MTV with whom he has some working relationships may stand with him as well. My apprehension is premised on how the many sponsors of Tiger Woods pulled out following the golfer’s EXTRA-MARTIATL affairs (Cheating even RAPE)

And in Ghana where the allegation lives longer than the verdict of innocence (that is if he’s acquitted), KKD should be prepared to have what the people know-the allegations- slapped in his face whenever his name is mentioned or appears on TV/radio. That’s one thing he’ll have to live with, unfortunately.

The coming days will reveal to all who’s telling the truth and who has been lying. After that, one person will go downhill BIG TIME and we all know who that person is.