American rapper Wiz Khalifa was detained for drug use during his performance at Romania’s Beach Please! Festival. The incident occurred as Khalifa, known for hits like “Black and Yellow,” was seen smoking marijuana onstage. Footage shared on social media captured the rapper casually smoking, followed by his arrest by local authorities.
In response to the incident, Romanian anti-organized crime prosecutors DIICOT issued a press release confirming the details. They stated, “During a concert at the Costinești resort in Constanța county, [Khalifa] was found in possession of over 18 grams of cannabis (a controlled substance) and consumed an additional amount of cannabis onstage.” The press release emphasized Khalifa’s right to due process and the presumption of innocence throughout the legal proceedings.
Marijuana use for recreational purposes is illegal in Romania. Video footage circulated online showed Khalifa being escorted out of the venue by police, though he was later released.
Following his release, Khalifa took to social media to issue a public apology. On X, he wrote, “Last night’s show was amazing. I didn’t mean any disrespect to the country of Romania by lighting up on stage. They were very respectful and let me go. I’ll be back soon. But without a big a** j***t next time.”
Last nights show was amazing. I didn’t mean any disrespect to the country of Romania by lighting up on stage. They were very respectful and let me go. I’ll be back soon. But without a big ass joint next time
— Taylor Gang World Leader (@wizkhalifa) July 14, 2024
Interestingly, Beach Please! Festival, where Khalifa performed, had also hosted an anti-drug campaign led by YouTuber and festival co-founder Andrei Selaru in collaboration with the Romanian Internal Ministry, as reported by The Telegraph.
