Rising rapper DaBaby is quickly making a name for himself, but the latest headline is probably one he might not want to be a part of.
On Friday (May 17), the North Carolina native was set to perform at Centro Nightclub in Lawrence, MA when a fan reportedly approached him for a photo. According to TMZ, the request was denied but quickly escalated after the fan touched DaBaby’s bodyguard’s hand.
Video footage obtained by the site allegedly shows members of DaBaby’s crew viciously beating the fan while DaBaby stands off to the side watching the brutal beat down unfold. The “Suge” rapper is wearing his signature “KIRK” chain in the clip as seen ahead.
After the melee, paramedics were called to the scene and the fan reportedly left on a stretcher. DaBaby left without performing at the venue and now the promoter, Derek Lemire, is seeking reimbursement for the money DaBaby pocketed — $22k to be exact.
Sources close to the 27-year-old emcee told TMZ that DaBaby felt his safety was in jeopardy and his decision to leave was completely justified based on a contract provision which stated so.
On Sunday (May 19), TMZ reported that the fan, identified a rapper named Don Trag, is in a coma and facing death. His mother told the site her son was “not doing well” and has “significant brain and neck swelling.”
Following the attack, Trag was released from the hospital and went to his mother’s house where he collapsed and was rushed back to the ER. Trag’s family has been in contact with a lawyer. Police are reportedly investigating, but so far witnesses have not been cooperating.
In March, DaBaby (real name Jonathan Lyndale Kirk) was cleared of charges connected to a deadly shooting at a Walmart in Huntersville, NC last November. In that incident, DaBaby insisted he was defending himself after he was approached by two men while shopping with his family.