Gunna.Photo: Taylor Hill/Getty
Gunnais speaking out for the first time since he was booked into a Georgia jail last month.
On Tuesday, the “pushin P” rapper shared a personal letter on social media with his fans, writing that he’s “innocent” after he wasarrested and accused of conspiracyto violate the racketeer influenced and corrupt organizations act, or RICO, last month.
“2022 has been one of the best years of my life, despite the difficult situation,” Gunna, 29, began the letter on his birthday. “Growing up from where I come from in a marginalized neighborhood, I never dreamt my art would change my life and the lives of my loved ones. My entire life, I’ve seen Black Men, Black Women and Black Children constantly attacked, hated, murdered, berated, belittled, silenced, judged, used and held captive.”
He later added, “For now, I don’t have my freedom. But I am innocent. I am being falsely accused and will never stop fighting to clear my name!”
In the letter’s send-off, he wrote, “We still pushing P: Power, Prayer, Progress, Passion, Productivity, Praise, Precision, Peace, Prosperity, Patience, Pride and Persistence.”
In the caption section, the rapper, whose real name is Sergio Giavanni Kitchens, wrote, “22 & 2, just a bed & a shower, no windows just walls. Can’t see or talk to anyone. I’m writing now & still praying everyday . I was raised to fight fire with water, even tho my country’s amendments have failed me! PROTECT BLACK ART!”
Over the weekend, Gunna and Young Thug — who is also in custody — were slated to perform at Hot 97 Summer Jam in New Jersey. Instead, Thug, 30, sent a a pre-recorded voice message that played on the Summer Jam screen, according toBillboard.
Lyrics from multiple music videos are cited as evidence in the indictment, in which alleged YSL members are accused of committing crimes for the protection and promotion of the group.
Gunna was taken into custody two days after Thug was arrested on May 9 for his alleged involvement in the 28-person ring.
Young Thug and Gunna.Prince Williams/Wireimage
According to Fulton Countyjail records, Thug, born Jeffery Lamar Williams, was booked on two charges — conspiracy to violate the racketeer influenced and corrupt organizations act, or RICO, and a charge of participation in criminal street gang activity.
The RICO charge stems from an alleged January 2013 incident, while the criminal street gang activity charge is linked to an alleged incident from May 2018.
Speaking at apress conferenceon May 10, Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis stressed that justice would be served.
“It does not matter what your notoriety is, what your fame is, if you come to Fulton County, Georgia, and you commit crimes, and certainly if those crimes are in furtherance of a street gang, you are going to become a target and a focus of this district attorney’s office, and we are going to prosecute you to the fullest extent of the law,” Willis said.
source: people.com
