The following is a statement issued by Vybz Kartel a.k.a Addi the Techa in response to the allegations made by the Bembe selector Jigsy that the deejay attacked him.
I am surprised that Jigsy has gone to the media with all these outlandish accusations, some of which border on slander and defamation, and serve to damage my reputation as an entertainer. I was not even in the venue at the time of this alleged incident at Bembe. I had been promoting my new liquor Vybz Rum, and partying with friends at the session, and had left some time during Jigsy's set. I only heard about the incident several hours afterwards through a third party, and then reporters informed me of his ridiculous tirade on the radio. I don't know if Jigsy is still in shock after the incident or if the moment has simply overwhelmed him, but he should desist from making these malicious statements for which there is no basis or proof.
It is most unfortunate that my fans took this decision to attack Jigsy, who is one of the better selectors in the dancehall business, but I apologise to him on their behalf. This act was done in a moment of overzealousness on their part and I condemn it without reservation. I do not condone the use of violence against any member of the entertainment fraternity, and I am a firm believer in the inalienable right of any selector to play whatever music he sees fit, and to espouse his personal opinions. I have never sought to influence a selector not to play a particular artiste, or to play with any particular bias, and I have no intention of doing so in the future.
In closing, I would like to use this forum to appeal to the general public, especially in light of the recent incident reported in THE STAR where a gun was pointed at Flexx of TOK, to continue to respect and love its entertainers. I wish you all a happy and prosperous new year.
Vybz Kartel
