overturned conviction

Jussie Smollett Cleared By Illinois Supreme Court In Overturned Hoax Case Conviction

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The Illinois Supreme Court officially overturned Jussie Smollett’s conviction in his hate crime hoax case on Thursday (November 21), according to TMZ. Moreover, they spoke with Jussie’s attorney Nenye Uche about the news. “Obviously, we’re ecstatic, we’re happy,” he remarked. “But really, my position is, it shouldn’t have gone this far. This prosecution was not a prosecution, it was a persecution. […] One thing I want to really emphasize here is this was not a divided court. This was a unanimous decision. […] [Smollett] was very pleasantly surprised.” For those unaware, he received a 150-day jail sentence back in 2022 for staging a hate crime against himself.

Since then, Jussie Smollett went through a few different processes of appeal, seeing doors shut in his face before the Illinois Supreme Court heard him out. As such, this new ruling means that he will not have to fulfill his original sentence and cannot face another trial. State’s Attorney Kim Foxx reached a plea deal with the actor that made him forfeit his $10,000 bond and fulfill 15 hours of community service. Per the court, since he fulfilled these hours and more, he shouldn’t have faced a second prosecution, which is when he went to jail before entering appeal.

Read More: Jussie Smollett Breaks Silence On Lee Daniels’ Viral Comments On Their Relationship

Jussie Smollett Conviction Overturned

Previously, Jussie Smollett had received a 30-month probation sentence as part of this 150-day prison sentence. “Today we resolve a question about the State’s responsibility to honor the agreements it makes with defendants. The State is bound by the agreement,” the Illinois Supreme Court wrote of this latest update. They actually did not focus on the details of the case and allegations themselves, but rather on the deal that the prosecution and the defense originally struck.

Sadly, though, this good news for Jussie Smollett comes amid less heartening material, such as his mother almost falling victim to burglary. Two men reportedly attempted to break into her home, but they quickly left the Los Angeles property when she realized what was going on and confronted them. Regardless, this must alleviate that stress at least a little bit, as he’s been dealing with this for a long time. We’ll see what else Smollett and his family have to say about all this.

Read More: Scottie Beam Blasts Joe Budden Over Diddy Silence & Past Jussie Smollett Takes

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Who Is Vybz Kartel’s Fiancée? Everything To Know About Sidem Ozturk

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With Vybz Kartel back home, there have been several questions surrounding his next moves. We know that he got engaged from behind bars, popping the question to Sidem Öztürk, a 32-year-old woman with an impressive academic background. Since the two began dating, Öztürk has been behind the scenes, helping Kartel with his social media, uplifting his spirits, and holding him down personally and professionally. However, there have been plenty of questions surrounding who she is. 

Read More: Vybz Kartel Drops “First Week Out” Mixtape Following Prison Release

Early Life and Background

Sidem Öztürk, a 32-year-old woman of Kurdish descent, was born in Turkey. She moved to the UK at a young age and has lived in London for over 29 years. Öztürk pursued her education in psychology, sociology, and philosophy and reportedly worked as a social worker with vulnerable adults and children, according to Fox 5 News.  

Relationship With Vybz Kartel

vybz kartel Sidem Öztürk
Photo by John Ricard/FilmMagic via Getty Images

Öztürk’s relationship with Vybz Kartel began in an unconventional manner. While she’s been a fan of his music, the two began corresponding in 2015. However, they finally met in 2019 once she traveled to Jamaica. The relationship blossomed, and eventually, he popped the question. “How it happened was. we were just calling each other ‘hubby’ and ‘wifey” and he was like, ‘We’re heading toward marriage so you calling me hubby, or me calling you wifey is not serious enough. So you’re my fiancée, we’re going to get married,’” she said. 

Read More: Why Was Vybz Kartel Jailed?

Commitment Amidst Challenges

The couple’s relationship has faced significant challenges due to Kartel’s imprisonment, though that’s clearly changed now that he’s been released. She explained how they weren’t able to have any physical contact when she visited him as a barrier separated them. 

“Well, there’s glass between us so we don’t get to touch each other. We just look and talk through some little holes that are in the wood beneath the glass, so it’s not perfect, but we’re making the most of what we can,” she told Lisa Evers. “Oh the man I love, he’s so witty, even when you’re angry or you’re upset about something, he knows how to turn that around, and he can just make you laugh, and make you see the brighter side of things.”

Despite these obstacles, Öztürk remains devoted to Kartel and has even relocated to Jamaica to be closer to him. As he was away, she managed Kartel’s Instagram account and handled various business transactions on his behalf.

Public Attention & Criticism

Öztürk’s engagement with Kartel has attracted both support and criticism from the public. While some fans of Kartel have expressed their approval, others have been harsh and even hateful towards her. Öztürk, however, remains unfazed by the negativity and stays focused on her relationship. She has expressed her belief in the authenticity of their bond and dismissed accusations that their relationship is a publicity stunt. Furthermore, she was the muse for Kartel’s EP, True Religion.

Optimism For The Future

Vybz Kartel and  Öztürk can finally be together, now that he’s home. Following a decision by the UK Privy Council, Vybz Kartel was released from custody after his conviction was overturned. Justice Marva McDonald-Bishop of Jamaica’s Court of Appeal and two other judges decided against a retrial. Their decision highlighted procedural issues in Kartel’s original trial. 

Immediately after he was freed, he shared videos of himself and Öztürk celebrating his freedom. They’re clearly making up for lost time. No word on when they will be getting married but his release could indicate that it could happen in the near future.

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Vybz Kartel Freed: Everything We Know About The Dancehall Legend’s Release

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Jamaican dancehall icon Vybz Kartel, born Adidja Palmer, has been released from prison after judges ruled he should not face a retrial for murder, BBC reports. Kartel, who was imprisoned in 2014 for the alleged murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams, has always maintained his innocence. His conviction was overturned by UK judges in March. On Wednesday, appeal judges in Jamaica decided the case would not go back to court. This decision marks the end of a long legal battle for the 48-year-old artist, who is said to be in poor health after spending 13 years in custody. Here’s everything we know about his release and the events leading up to it.

Read More: Why Was Vybz Kartel Jailed?

The Initial Conviction & Appeal

Vybz Kartel was convicted in 2014 alongside co-defendants Shawn Campbell, Kahira Jones, and Andre St John. The prosecution argued that Kartel and his associates were involved in the murder of Clive “Lizard” Williams in August 2011. Williams and another man, Lamar Chow, were reportedly summoned to Kartel’s house after failing to return two unlicensed firearms. Chow testified that they were attacked and that he saw Williams lying motionless on the ground before the house was burned down. Williams’ body was never found.

Despite their consistent claims of innocence, Kartel and his co-defendants were sentenced to life in prison. Kartel, specifically, received a minimum term of 35 years. Following his conviction, Kartel appealed to courts in Jamaica, which upheld the verdict. However, his legal team did not relent and took the case to the Privy Council in London, Jamaica’s highest court of appeal.

The Privy Council Ruling

Vybz Kartel
Vybz Kartel during The Official Welcome Back Concert – Backstage at Nassau Coliseum in New York City, New York, United States. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

In March, the Privy Council in London ruled that the conviction was unsafe due to the presence of a biased juror. Kartel’s defense had argued that a juror had attempted to bribe other members of the jury, which should have led to their removal from the trial. The Privy Council agreed. They stated that the decision not to remove the juror infringed on the defendants’ fundamental right to a fair hearing. The judges concluded that this oversight was “fatal to the safety of the convictions which followed.”

Read More: Vybz Kartel Declares Lil Wayne His “Favorite Rapper Alive”

Decision Against A Retrial

Despite the Privy Council’s ruling, Jamaican authorities had the option to retry Kartel and his co-defendants. However, on Wednesday, Justice Marva McDonald-Bishop of Jamaica’s Court of Appeal, along with two other judges, decided against a retrial. They considered several factors, including the “egregious nature and seriousness of the offense,” the unavailability of access to witnesses and evidence, the passage of time, and the considerable expense of a retrial. Additionally, Kartel’s declining health played a significant role in their decision. The judges concluded that “the interests of justice do not require a new trial,” and formally acquitted Kartel and his co-defendants.

Reaction To The Release

Kartel’s release has sparked widespread reactions in Jamaica and beyond. Known for hits like “Clarks,” “Ramping Shop,” and “Summer Time,” Vybz Kartel is one of Jamaica’s most influential dancehall artists. His music career, which continued to thrive even while he was imprisoned, has shaped and propelled dancehall internationally. Vybz’s release is seen as a monumental moment for dancehall music.

His release has been met with plenty of praise, from mainstream artists like Drake and Cardi B to 1Xtra’s Dancehall Show presenter, Seani B, who described Kartel’s release as a “mammoth day” for Jamaica and the dancehall community at large. Seani also acknowledged the lingering pain of Williams’ family, emphasizing the need to remember the victim amid the celebrations. No doubt that he’ll be releasing new music soon, indicating his plans to reclaim his spot as the top artist in the dancehall scene.

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Vybz Kartel To Be Released After A Decade In Prison

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Vybz Kartel has dealt with his fair share of legal trouble over the past decade after he was arrested for his alleged role in Clive “Lizard” Williams’ disappearance. Now, however, there’s been a major breakthrough in the Jamaican dancehall icon’s case. Today, it was decided in court that Kartel and his two codefendants Kahira Jones and Andre St. John will not be retried. Instead, they’ll be released.

“Having regard to all considerations the court has taken into account, we conclude that the interest of justice do not require a new trial to be ordered for the appellants,” Justice Marva McDonald-Bishop explained. “We therefore make the following order: judgments and verdicts of acquittal are entered in relation to the appellants.”

Read More: Vybz Kartel Denied Bail Following Overturned Murder Conviction

Vybz Kartel Fans Celebrate His Freedom

Of course, fans couldn’t be happier for the 48-year-old, who was previously handed a life sentence. The news comes only a few months after he successfully appealed his life sentence, and his conviction was overturned. He was subsequently denied bail, as authorities opted for him to stay in jail while they determined whether or not he’d be retried. Luckily, things worked out in the performer’s favor. Vybz Kartel’s release also comes after his attorneys raised concerns about his health and allegedly poor living conditions.

“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,” Isat Buchanan told FOX 5 in 2023. “His face is actually swollen. And one other thing. He always wears glasses; in this condition, that causes his eyes to protrude.” What do you think of Vybz Kartel finding freedom after spending several years behind bars? Are you looking forward to seeing what the artist does next with his newfound freedom? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

Read More: Drake Shares Vybz Kartel Shirt In The Studio, Fans Think He’s Teasing A Diss Track

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Vybz Kartel Denied Bail Following Overturned Murder Conviction

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Vybz Kartel was arrested over a decade ago for his alleged role in the disappearance of his associate Clive “Lizard” Williams, whose body has yet to be found. In March, things began to look up for the beloved dancehall artist when he appealed his life sentence. His appeal was successful and the conviction was overturned, though he can still be retried.

Today, however, he and his co-defendants Shawn “Shawn Storm” Campbell and Andre St John appeared in court in Kingston where Supreme Court Justice Andrea Thomas denied them bail. This means that they must stay behind bars until they’re formally acquitted or a decision is made regarding a retrial. “In view of the fact that their appeal is not yet determined they should remain in custody until their appeal is concluded,” Justice Thomas explained. “That is until a verdict of acquittal is entered or there is a decision for a retrial.”

Read More: Why Was Vybz Kartel Jailed?

Vybz Kartel & His Co-Defendants Will Remain Behind Bars

The ruling was announced after the men’s attorney Isat Buchanan argued that “a conviction must exist for there to be authority to detain” them. The state fired back, claiming that they weren’t acquitted just because their convictions were overturned by the Privy Council. Instead, they’re said to be back to their pre-trial status along with “live” murder charges.

When Vybz’s conviction was overturned, his attorneys cited alleged juror misconduct that took place during his 2014 trial. They accuse one juror of offering the others $500K in an attempt to sway the outcome. “The Judicial Committee of the Privy Council has concluded that the appeals should be allowed and the appellants’ convictions should be quashed on the ground of juror misconduct, and that the case should be remitted to the Court of Appeal of Jamaica to decide whether to order a retrial of the appellants for the murder of the deceased,” the Privy Council said in a statement at the time. What do you think of Vybz Kartel and two of his co-defendants getting denied bail? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

Read More: Vybz Kartel’s Murder Conviction Overturned Due To Alleged Juror Misconduct

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Boosie Badazz Reacts To Harvey Weinstein’s Overturned Conviction: “Free R. Kelly”

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Boosie Badazz is someone who never shies away from sharing his opinions, no matter how controversial they may be. The Louisiana-born performer frequently weighs in on current events, drama, and even politics on social media. Earlier today, for example, he hopped on Twitter/X to react to Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 sexual assault conviction getting overturned by a New York appeals court. Reportedly, the Manhattan district attorney’s office plans to retry Weinstein.

The shocking apparent step backward seems not to have sat right with Boosie, who shared a photo of the news alongside “#whiteprivilege.” The photo in question also asks, “What about Diddy, Bill & Kelly?” In his caption, he called for R. Kelly to be released from prison. The performer is currently serving a 30-year sentence for racketeering and alleged crimes. He’s concurrently serving a 20-year sentence for child pornography charges, which was upheld in court today after an appeal.

Read More: Boosie Badazz Says This Is The “Brokest” He’s Ever Seen America

Boosie Badazz Thinks R. Kelly Should Be Released

Most commenters aren’t feeling Boosie’s “FREE RKELLY” post, as evidently, two alleged wrongs don’t make a right. This isn’t the first time he’s showed support for the disgraced singer, however. Earlier this month, he weighed in on Aoki Lee Simmons’ ex-boyfriend and all of the drama that came from their former fling due to their roughly 40-year age gap. He argued that there’s a double standard when it comes to white men in relationships with younger women, as there was far less outcry over Simmons’ previous partner than there was with R. Kelly. With that being said, most of the outcry surrounding R. Kelly is due to the fact that many of his alleged victims weren’t women at all, but instead, minors.

What do you think of Harvey Weinstein’s 2020 sexual assault conviction getting overturned earlier this week? What about Boosie Badazz’s reaction to it? Are you surprised? What about him calling for R. Kelly to be released from prison? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

Read More: Boosie Badazz & His Girlfriend Free To Communicate After Judge Modifies His Release Conditions

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