2 days in Miami jail was ‘failed attempt to break my spirit,’ DaBaby says
Charlotte rapper DaBaby appeared resolute in his first public comments about his jailing in Miami over what police said was a fight about money with a promoter.
“To Whom It May Concern,” began DaBaby’s post on Instagram Tuesday.
“Please stop talking to me about that weak ass 48 hours I spent in jail and that failed attempt to break my spirits & interrupt the path I’m taking to my God given success.”
DaBaby, whose legal name is Jonathan Lyndale Kirk, was charged with battery and given a $1,500 bail, Miami-Dade County jail records show. He remained in jail the next day on a fugitive warrant out of Texas involving a similar charge, The Associated Press reported.
In Miami, police say the 28-year-old rapper punched a man in the face on Jan. 2, The Charlotte Observer previously reported. A second man — a music promoter who owed DaBaby money — was also attacked and doused with apple juice, according to a police report obtained by the Observer last week.
When confronted by police officers, the Grammy-nominated artist told officers he was not involved in any fight, according to the report.
On Tuesday, DaBaby took to Instagram to again maintain his innocence. He posted this message to critics: “For those who passed judgement (sic), I already forgave you in advance.”
“P.S.,” he added, “How many Ladies think I’m sexier after reading this post and finding out I’m smart too? Had to clear the air real quick.”
His post has received 714,000 likes, including one from Grammy Award-winning DJ-producer Kid Capri, and 23,000 comments.
While some posted critical remarks, including by a man who said, “This don’t mean u smart,” most offered words of support and admiration.
“This is why I love you,” one woman wrote.
“My man has spoken,” posted another admirer.
On Monday, DaBaby posted an Instagram video that has drawn 1.5 million views showing him with rapper Diddy.
In the video, Diddy gives a smiling DaBaby a handshake and a hug after DaBaby arrives for a performance in South Beach, Miami.
“Everybody, give him a round of applause,” Diddy tells a small crowd gathered around them.