WEST HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA - FEBRUARY 12: Gunna arrives at RtA x Gunna Superbowl Store Event on February 12, 2022 in West Hollywood, California. (Photo by Ari Perilstein/Getty Images for RtA)
Gunna isn’t letting time behind bars silence him, especially when discussing his freedom! On Tuesday, a typed statement appeared on the rapper’s Instagram page. In the two-page letter, Gunna declared his innocence but also spoke about prosecutors using his art against him, his positive impact on the community, and his fight to clear his name.
The artist began by showing gratitude for “one of the best years of [his] life,” despite his recent arrest. Then, he added, “This year, I had the whole world pushing P.” Gunna also said he “never dreamt” where his art would take him and his loved ones.
Gunna added a paragraph about his art form, saying he used his gift from God “to change my circumstances.” He worked, empowered Black women, and basked in the blessings.
“For now, I don’t have my freedom,” Gunna wrote. “But I am innocent. I am being falsely accused and will never stop fighting to clear my name!”
The rapper surrendered to authorities on a racketeering charge on May 11. He was denied bond the next day and again on May 23. Still, the rapper pled not guilty to gang-related crimes extending back to 2012. Prosecutors believe Gunna is not only an associate of Young Slime Life (YSL) but a “documented gang member” in a “command position.” As a result, Gunna will remain behind bars until his trial date, which the court set for January 9, 2023.
In the follow-up paragraph, the artist doubled down on his innocence. He said, “The picture that is being painted of me is ugly and untrue.” Gunna then broke down some of his loves, including celebrating life, family, travel, fans, and faith.
“As a Black man in America, it seems as though my art is only acceptable when I’m a source of entertainment for the masses. My art is not allowed to stand alone as entertainment, I’m not allowed that freedom as a Black Man in America. It is a sad reality that slavery is still alive in America today and still affecting my people. In 12 states more than half of prison population is Black, one of those states is Georgia.”
He concluded his statement by saying he’ll never stop being a good person–despite these circumstances.
“When I was free, I was good and kind to the community around me and, when I am released, I will do the same thing all over again,” Gunna wrote.
READ THE FULL STATEMENT HERE:
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