Rapper DaBaby has issued an apology after a video showed him hitting a female fan in the face before an after-party concert in Tampa, Florida.
The incident, which took place on Saturday 7 March, appeared to be sparked after the fan held her phone – with the flash turned on – close to DaBaby’s face.
Video footage shared by TMZ showed DaBaby, whose real name is Jonathan Kirk, being booed by crowds after the apparent assault. He left the venue without performing a song.
At first, DaBaby acknowledged the incident on his Instagram Stories, writing: “Who know shawty government name so my lawyer can get active,” and also appealing to fans for a different camera angle.
He later issued a formal apology to the woman, who has not been identified, on his Instagram account.
“I do sincerely apologise,” he said. “I’m very sorry that there was a female on the other end of that flashlight on their phone. But you know, keep in mind, I couldn’t see you because you got the flash this close to me. Which is OK, it’s no problem.
“A lot of people did – they didn’t put it as close as you put it – but a lot of people had flash on me, and that’s OK. That’s what I signed up for.”
He continued: “But out of them fans, how many people know how to zoom in? Just zoom in instead of popping me in the motherf***ing eye with the phone. But I do apologise that there was a female on the other end. I think by this time, you know it’s a well-known fact that male or female, I would’ve responded the exact same way.”
DaBaby then asked to meet the victim in person: “I would love to apologise to you in person... I would love to make the situation better anyway I can.”
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