That fake signer at Mandela's memorial

[tazber]

Posted: 12/11/13 at 2:23pm

Apparently the signer at Mandela's memorial was a total fake. Nothing he signed was real.

As serious as the memorial is, this particular story has me cracking up.

He did the same thing over and over, none of which meant anything.


Here's a clip

[tazber]

Posted: 12/11/13 at 2:25pm

And now of course someone made a fake twitter account:


does carpet has motor clashes teacup

[themysteriousgrowl]

Posted: 12/11/13 at 2:26pm

taz, did you happen to get this from my FB? I just posted it after a work friend sent it to me and said the same thing -- I realize how horribly insensitive and offensive it is, but I can't help but laugh.

The "Today" show thing was totally out of line, though.

[TheatreDiva90016]

Posted: 12/11/13 at 2:27pm

He seems to be saying thank you a lot.


How is it that this guy has done this in the past an no one clocked him?

[tazber]

Posted: 12/11/13 at 2:28pm

I haven't been on FB today growl, but it is really funny.

Hey, if Obama can take a selfie with Cameron at the service, then a little levity can be excused.

[tazber]

Posted: 12/11/13 at 2:30pm

And I just realized he was signing your signature, growl!

[themysteriousgrowl]

Posted: 12/11/13 at 2:36pm

OMG MIND BLOWN

[Jane2]

Posted: 12/11/13 at 2:36pm

It was so funny watching him. He wasn't even a good fake, doing the same thing over and over, which didn't even mean anything! I can only imagine what was going through the minds of anyone there who was hearing impaired.

Funny as it was, I don't understand why they didn't have a real signer there. Or is this faker registered with ASL?

[Brian07663NJ]

Posted: 12/11/13 at 2:43pm

Ever consider there was probably an incredible lack of coordination?

The ones who should be scared are the Secret Service who had to protect the current and former US Presidents.

This fake signer probably volunteered, the person in charge most likely never planned such a mass media event and said "of course we need to have a signer!"

[themysteriousgrowl]

Posted: 12/11/13 at 2:45pm

He's a fake fakir!

[Gothampc]

Posted: 12/11/13 at 2:45pm

Liza Minnelli performed songs from The Act at Mandela's memorial? Crazy!

Updated On: 12/11/13 at 02:45 PM

[TheatreDiva90016]

Posted: 12/11/13 at 2:52pm

I've read that the guy has interpreted at other large functions before this. So how has he not been caught before??

[DottieD'Luscia]

Posted: 12/11/13 at 3:07pm

Mysterious Growl, What Today show thing?

[dramamama611]

Posted: 12/11/13 at 3:37pm

ASL is AMERICAN Sign Language. Is ASL spoken everywhere or do different countries have their own forms of SL? I promise I'm not being snarky, I really just don't know.

[trentsketch]

Posted: 12/11/13 at 3:41pm

dramamama, South Africa has its own sign language that covers the 11 dialects/languages spoken in the country. 3 experts have confirmed it wasn't ASL, International Sign, or the South African sign language.

[Jordan Catalano]

Posted: 12/11/13 at 3:43pm

Well I can tell you that while it might be funny to some, it's absolutely (and rightfully) outraging the deaf community. I've been reading REALLY angry stuff all day on Facebook and other places from my deaf friends.

[artscallion]

Posted: 12/11/13 at 3:47pm

There are hundreds of different sign languages used around the world. The official sign language of Sout Africa is SASL. They also use ASL. But SASL is what they use for official functions. It's been reported that the gestures made by the interpreter showed no indication of any syntactical or grammatical pattern one would expect of any codified language. He essentially appeared to be signing gibberish.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 12/11/13 at 3:50pm

thanks for the clarification, and additional info.


I'd be pretty pissed, too.

[artscallion]

Posted: 12/11/13 at 3:52pm

It's bizarre how he just stands there with a straight face. If it were a joke, he'd be smirking, I'd think. What on earth could his motivation be for such a stunt?

[dramamama611]

Posted: 12/11/13 at 4:06pm

Why does anyone lie about their resume/experience. for the $$.

[TheatreDiva90016]

Posted: 12/11/13 at 4:10pm

He must have some huge balls to think he was not going to get caught.

[tinysmagic]

Posted: 12/11/13 at 4:10pm

His name is not being released to mass media yet, reasons unknown, since he IS known to have "signed" for other big events also?

Curious story, esp. from the security angle, but he MUSt HAVE BEEN VETTED, right? If you're not a member of the legit signing orgs, can one still get a job? Was this guy bribed to do this, just for a joke, or what? Or is he just a ****ty "signer"? The story is not out there yet. Should be interesting.....

[Jane2]

Posted: 12/11/13 at 4:12pm

I think he's an imbecile with balls. And those who hired him are worse!

[tazber]

Posted: 12/11/13 at 4:50pm

I was wondering what your take on this would be Jordan. I'm sorry if my snark offended you.

Another thing I was wondering: why didn't someone catch it immediately and remove him?

ETA: he is being identified now as Thami Jantjie.

Updated On: 12/11/13 at 04:50 PM

[brdlwyr]

Posted: 12/11/13 at 5:42pm

I love The Fantasticks reference earlier!