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Rapper Lil Tjay finds himself entangled in legal troubles following a shooting incident involving fellow artist Offset in South Florida. The altercation unfolded on Monday evening, leading to charges against Lil Tjay.
Offset, previously part of the renowned rap group Migos, was shot outside the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel in Hollywood, Florida. The incident occurred around 7 p.m. in the valet area, as confirmed by the Seminole Police Department to Nexstar’s KTLA. Law enforcement swiftly arrived on the scene, detaining two individuals in connection with the shooting.
Offset, whose birth name is Kiari Kendrell Cephus, sustained injuries that, fortunately, were not life-threatening. He was promptly taken to Memorial Regional Hospital in Hollywood, where he remains under medical care as of Tuesday morning. According to his spokesperson, Offset is in stable condition and is being observed closely by medical professionals.
As for Lil Tjay, born Tione Jayden Merritt, he has been charged with disorderly conduct—specifically, affray, which is classified as a first-degree misdemeanor under Florida law. Authorities indicate that the incident began with a physical altercation. Merritt was subsequently booked into the Broward County Jail late Monday night. Meanwhile, the second individual detained has not faced any charges at this time.
Tjay, whose real name is Tione Jayden Merritt, “has been charged with disorderly conduct — affray, a first-degree misdemeanor under Florida Statute 870.01,” police said. “The incident began with an affray, or fight. Merritt was booked into the Broward County Jail late last night. A second person detained at the scene has not been charged.”
Police are still investigating whether more people are involved. The motive for the shooting has not been revealed.
The 24-year-old Tjay has a song titled “Run It Up” that features Offset and Memphis rapper Moneybagg Yo, which released in 2021.
The shooting comes nearly four years after Offset’s Migos bandmate, Takeoff, was shot and killed in Houston, Texas.
For 15 years, the 34-year-old was a part of the Atlanta-based rap group Migos alongside his childhood friends Quavo and Takeoff — both of whom are commonly referred to as his cousins, but they are not biologically related.
Migos were famous for hits like “Versace,” “Bad and Boujee,” “Fight Night” and more.
Offset was married for almost seven years to rapper Cardi B. The couple has three children together. Offset has three other children from previous relationships.