Last week, on March 15, Odd Future ringleader Tyler, the Creator was arrested following a SXSW performance where he allegedly incited a riot. Today (March 20), Tyler's lawyer has finally reached out to the public with a statement.
The rapper was charged with a Class A misdemeanour after he allegedly encouraged fans outside of the gate to force their way in. In a statement released to the Associated Press, Tyler's lawyer Perry Q. Minton denied these claims.
"At no time during the ... concert did Tyler seek to incite or participate in riotous activity as has been reported in the press," Minton said. "It is clear from video clips and witness reports that the patrons and fans attending the show on that date were full of positive energy appropriate for this type of event and never exhibited any anger or aggression whatsoever."
Minton added. "For law enforcement or the media to describe the rush of fans through the gate and the subsequent benign, boisterous activity as a riot is an unfortunate and inaccurate description of what occurred. Tyler is not a violent individual and would never deliberately engage in any activity that would put another person at risk of being hurt."
Tyler, the Creator was arrested at the airport on a warrant as he left Austin. He posted a $25,000 bond. If he's convicted, he could face up to a year in prison and a $4,000 fine.
The rapper was charged with a Class A misdemeanour after he allegedly encouraged fans outside of the gate to force their way in. In a statement released to the Associated Press, Tyler's lawyer Perry Q. Minton denied these claims.
"At no time during the ... concert did Tyler seek to incite or participate in riotous activity as has been reported in the press," Minton said. "It is clear from video clips and witness reports that the patrons and fans attending the show on that date were full of positive energy appropriate for this type of event and never exhibited any anger or aggression whatsoever."
Minton added. "For law enforcement or the media to describe the rush of fans through the gate and the subsequent benign, boisterous activity as a riot is an unfortunate and inaccurate description of what occurred. Tyler is not a violent individual and would never deliberately engage in any activity that would put another person at risk of being hurt."
Tyler, the Creator was arrested at the airport on a warrant as he left Austin. He posted a $25,000 bond. If he's convicted, he could face up to a year in prison and a $4,000 fine.