Rapper Desiigner, real name Sidney Royel Selby III, catches a huge break following his recent arrest.
The “Panda” rapper was apprehended in New York City along with four other people on Thursday night (Sept. 8) after police were called about a traffic dispute near the Lincoln Tunnel.
According to authorities, they were notified around 9 p.m. that a passenger in a white Range Rover had allegedly flashed a firearm at a nearby car. Police later caught up with the SUV, where they discovered loose prescription drugs, marijuana and a gun inside, E! News reports. Desiigner was later charged with criminal possession of a weapon in the second degree with a loaded firearm, possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell in plain view, criminal possession of a controlled substance in the fifth degree and menacing in the second degree. Meanwhile, the remaining four individuals were charged with menacing with a firearm and possession of illegal substances.
Fast forward 24 hours and the 19-year-old rapper was back on the street scoffing at authorities, claiming he didn’t do the things he was accused of. In fact, the D.A. was forced to drop the gun charge after authorities couldn’t locate said gun. Meanwhile, Desiigner’s legal team claimed the pills found in the SUV were legally prescribed and obtained by the driver. In other words, Desiigner’s only crime — being a successful Black man, the team alleged.
Of course, the up-and-coming rapper didn’t let a little arrest get in the way of his big performance. On Saturday night, Sept. 10, the Brooklyn native took the stage at the Alexander Wang after-party during New York Fashion Week, where he performed “Panda.”
