Avatar Confirms Immediate Resignation of Co-Chief Creative Officer After Viral Cannes Video
Avatar Confirms Immediate Resignation of Co-Chief Creative Officer After Viral Cannes Video. Avatar has confirmed that Veli Ngubane has resigned as co-chief creative officer with immediate effect after a TikTok video showing what the agency described as inappropriate behaviour during the Cannes Lions festival gained widespread attention online.
In a statement, the agency said its leadership team, led by founder and group CEO Zibusiso Mkhwanazi, will continue overseeing the business. Phil Ireland has been appointed interim sole chief creative officer to ensure continuity for clients, employees and partners.
Avatar said it expects all employees to uphold the highest standards of professional conduct and does not tolerate behaviour that falls short of those expectations. The agency added that it takes action when such standards are not met and thanked its clients, partners and colleagues for their continued support.
The widely circulated TikTok video was posted by content creators Coco Bassey and her sister Kay. In the clip, they describe being repeatedly approached by an intoxicated man wearing a Cannes Lions attendee badge. Ngubane attended the international advertising festival as a jury member.
News of the resignation was first shared on X by entertainment commentator Phil Mphela before being confirmed by Avatar. The video has since drawn significant attention across social media, with many users criticising Ngubane’s conduct and calling for accountability.
The incident has also prompted a joint response from the Association for Communication and Advertising (ACA), the Creative Circle and the Interactive Advertising Bureau (IAB) South Africa.
In a combined statement, the organisations said they were aware of the video circulating online and stressed that there is no place in the advertising and communications industry for behaviour that undermines the dignity, safety or professional standing of others.
They added that leadership comes with a responsibility to model professionalism, integrity and respect, reaffirming their commitment to promoting an industry that is respectful, accountable and free from harassment, discrimination and abuse.
