DaBaby is facing backlash for a new music video that features real footage showing the moments before a Ukrainian refugee was brutally murdered on a train in North Carolina.
The rapper, real name Jonathan Kirk, released a new track called 'Save Me' yesterday (September 16), along with a music video to go with the song which, at the time of writing, has been viewed over 317,000 times on YouTube.
The song is said to be dedicated to Iryna Zarutska, who was brutally stabbed on a train in Charlotte, North Carolina last month.
Zarutska sadly died from her injuries, and Decarlos Brown Jr. has since been arrested and charged with her murder.
Advert
The news of Zarustka's death made headlines across the globe after harrowing footage of her final moments was shared by the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS).
In the video, a man thought to be Brown was sat on the train when Zarustka got onboard and sat in front of him.
The Ukrainian refugee was minding her own business when Brown all of a sudden pulled out a knife and stabbed her in the neck multiple times in what can only be described as a random attack.
Now, DaBaby - who grew up in North Carolina - has reimagined the devastating event in his new music video. However, instead of Zarustka being slain, the rapper saves her.
He then escorts the man who went to stab her off the train, where security is waiting for them.
The video has left people divided: while some have celebrated DaBaby bringing awareness about Zarustka's death, others branded the rapper as 'sick'.
One critic said: "Turning a tragedy into a cash grab moment is just sick."
"This is not showing tribute, dababy is sick bro," echoed another person, as a third said: "DaBaby turning a real-life tragedy into a self insert hero arc is… wild."
"He is so weird this is so disrespectful," added someone else.
See the video here:
A different person pointed out: "He could have provided financial support for the woman’s family, but instead did this."
Not everyone has taken issue with the song and music video, though.
Somebody commented on the rapper's YouTube video: "A lot of people are hating on him for making this, but I'm glad a celebrity finally brought some attention to what happened."
"Wow, DaBaby just gained some seriously massive respect in my book," said a second, adding: "Thank you for having the courage to bring attention to this tragedy. Using your voice for good like this is truly admirable."
"Genuinely a beautiful song by DaBaby, never thought I'd say that," a third went on to say.
What do you think of the music video?
UNILAD have approached reps for DaBaby for comment.
Topics: DaBaby, Crime, Social Media, Rap, US News, North Carolina
Niamh Shackleton