
Today (May 31), Fox 5 New York shared an exclusive interview with human rights attorney Isat Buchanan, the lawyer representing Jamaican Dancehall icon Vybz Kartel. During the conversation, he revealed that his imprisoned client is facing life-threatening health complications.
Born Adidja Palmer, Kartel has been behind bars since serving time for a 2011 murder conviction, and while he insists he’s innocent, he’s now battling another fight with the legal system. After a recent alleged cell phone infraction, the “Happy Pum Pum” artist is in solitary confinement for 23 hours a day, and Buchanan says the conditions are unbearable. “Mr. Palmer’s illness is actually life-threatening,” the attorney said of his client, who suffers from Graves’ Disease and a heart condition.
No air and no water? Damnn they are trying to kill him #VybzKartel pic.twitter.com/rxRmMqAaQa
— Letty. (@_nomeimporta00) May 31, 2023
“He’s in a cell, and if you can picture a brick oven, because that’s how those cells are built, the ventilation is next to none,” Buchanan claimed. The Pon Di Gaza hitmaker’s supporters are now concerned about the situation. “All over a damn cellphone. A F**KING cellphone,” one fan said of the news. “Vybz Kartel having life-threatening medical issues is not what I wanted to hear today,” another added. Buchanan told the news station he visited his client on Memorial Day (May 29), and the 47-year-old has no air circulation, no water, and a bucket for a toilet.
“His neck was swollen. If you think of a shirt that is about 18.5 inches in the neck area, you couldn’t close the collar on his neck, and that’s how bad it is in this moment… His face is actually swollen. And one other thing: He always wears glasses; in this condition, that causes his eyes to protrude,” Buchanan said of the Kingston, Jamaica native. “I wholeheartedly, truly from the depths of my soul, do not wanna hear anything other than good things discussing Vybz Kartel. Not THE Gaza legend because I cannot go for that,” a tweet read.
See more messages of support below.
Vybz Kartel having life threatening medical issues is not what I wanted to hear today 🥲🥲
— kb🌊 (@Kevin_r_416) May 31, 2023
All over a damn cell phone. a FUCKING cell phone
— Justin 🦄 🧊 right thru me Stan since 2010 (@jrleenash1983) May 31, 2023
Noooo I literally can’t imagine a world without vybz kartel – we gotta pray for him.
— C. (@buttterflycee) May 31, 2023
Serious condition, that can make people feel very hot, tremors in hands,eye problems bulges in the gland. he deserves to be treated properly, access to medication & doctor care regularly, ventilation & proper sanitation. The top guy in charge at prison hates him wish him fi dead
— Haze (@Hayleywhite16g1) May 31, 2023
The greatest artist since Marley, running dancehall from prison. Only in Jamaica. 🤦
— onesinglepurpose (@onesinglepurpo1) May 29, 2023
i wholeheartedly, truly from the depths of my soul do not wanna hear anything other than good things discussing vybz kartel. not THE gaza legend because i cannot go for that.
— J. (@babyfacexjackie) May 31, 2023
Happy to be part of the 100million streamers worldwide
— Arab King Kong KSA (@ArabKong_ksa) May 23, 2023
I’ll rly air shit out bout him n he supposed to b at my wedding like no let him get his surgery
— JB! (@galleriadejb) May 31, 2023
hope vybz kartel makes it alive 🙏🏾
— kj (@thekonyjen) May 31, 2023
Vybz Kartel blessed our high school days with good music, legend that one
— SUPER METRO🇰🇪 (@marto254_) May 25, 2023
Sorry how am I just finding out Vybz Kartel is sick??? Oh my gosh
— Lozz🇯🇲🇹🇹🇬🇾 (@LozDior) May 31, 2023
i don’t think any artist, of any genre, is seeing vybz kartel in any battle . ever
— your grace✨ (@StephieeV_) May 22, 2023