Meeting Between Sheriff and Rapper Sparks Controversy After Recent Music Video

Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden recently met with rapper DaBaby, weeks after the artist’s involvement in a contentious music video. The video recreated the tragic light rail stabbing of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska, a scene that drew widespread criticism.

The sheriff’s office announced the meeting via social media, sharing a photo of McFadden sitting alongside DaBaby (real name Jonathan Lyndale Kirk). In the picture, both men are making peace signs while seated on a couch at an undisclosed location.

The sheriff’s office captioned the post, indicating that the two discussed significant issues and potential collaborations, although specifics weren’t disclosed. Questions remain about the nature of their discussions, as officials have not responded to inquiries.

DaBaby previously caused a stir with his self-directed “Save Me” video, which depicted a dramatized version of Zarutska’s stabbing. In the video, actors portray Zarutska and her attacker, 34-year-old DeCarlos Brown Jr., on a Charlotte train. The scene concludes with the victim walking home unharmed and a screenshot of a fundraising page, which has now surpassed $471,000 for Zarutska’s family.

Zarutska was murdered on August 22 after being stabbed multiple times in an apparently unprovoked attack. Brown, with a lengthy criminal record, has pleaded not guilty to murder and federal charges related to the incident. He remains jailed without bond.

Critics have pointed out that DaBaby filmed the scene on an active transit train without permission, and the transit authority confirmed they became aware of the shoot only after concerned users reported it. The rapper described the project as a tribute to Zarutska, linking it to the fundraising efforts.

DaBaby’s history includes past brushes with violence, including a 2018 shooting incident in which he claimed self-defense, and a later shooting at his home. His career has experienced both rapid success and controversy, with some festivals removing him due to his outspoken reputation and others facing backlash over his remarks.

As of now, the “Save Me” video has garnered over 2 million views, and the fundraising campaign for Zarutska’s family continues online.