THE tide seems to be turning for It Girl Bonang Matheba.

The TV and radio darling has been the subject of watercooler gossip since it emerged last week that she had been involved in a fight with another of South Africa's popular girls, Poppy Ntshongwana.

But Matheba took to Twitter to defend herself: "I don't remember hitting any woman in the 26 years I've been on this Earth!"

According to an industry insider, this is not the first time Matheba has allegedly been "abusive" to Ntshongwana.

"About a month ago, Bonang called Poppy and demanded to know why she (Poppy) was calling Euphonik. She then dropped the phone on her when Poppy said Euphonik had called her," the source said.

Relations between the two women have been frosty for a while, with some attributing it to Euphonik's "soft spot" for Ntshongwana.

On September 16 Matheba joined her man, his best buddy DJ Fresh and the rest of the 5FM Fresh Drive crew - including Ntshongwana and Catherine Grenfell - on a trip to Ibiza. "My favourite place in the whole wide world!" she proclaimed on Twitter.

However, barely 48 hours later the face of Revlon posted "Must. Go. Home" and added three smiley faces.

A member of Team Poppy claims that between September 17 and 18, Matheba finally lost it with Ntshongwana on the Spanish island while the group were enjoying drinks by the poolside at Ushuaïa Ibiza Beach Hotel, where they were staying.

"Bonang came to join in. Euphonik got her a chair."

Details of what started the fight are sketchy, but it is said Matheba pulled Ntshongwana's braided hair extensions before the two women were separated by DJ Fresh.

One of the gay brigade who parties with Ntshongwana came to her defence, saying: "Poppy is a lovely girl and sweet. I would expect arguments from her, but not physical fighting."

When Sunday World approached Ntshongwana about the allegations, all she would say was "I'm not at liberty to speak about it", before dropping the phone.

Matheba's cellphone was switched off and she had not replied to an SMS by the time of publication.

Her management, DNA Brand Architects, responded to Sunday World's e-mailed questions by saying: "Unfortunately we have no comment on the questions below."

Revlon has gone all out to promote Matheba since announcing her as its ambassador four months ago.

The brand's communication manager, Adele du Plessis said: "We know nothing about (the alleged fight) other than what has been reported, and she has vehemently denied it to us. We are yet to see her."

Matheba and Euphonik's three-year relationship has been fraught with drama in the past year.

Allegations of cheating and abuse have been bandied about, with the couple reconciling after they dragged each other to court. Matheba claimed Euphonik beat her, but he countered that they were still sleeping with each other despite the court drama.

A source in Matheba's circle, speaking anonymously, said: "Bonang has temper tantrums and calls any woman she feels is a threat to her relationship. She can't stand not to be on top." Another informant in her circle said: "It's so like her to do that. She has a temper and she is good at denying things."

The gossip could be damaging to Matheba.

Thulane Hadebe, managing director of Brand Ambassadors, said brands go through "numerous processes" and "wouldn't chose their celebrity if they didn't believe in them or supported them".