DaBaby’s Provocative Video Prompts Meeting With Mecklenburg Sheriff

In September, DaBaby ignited a firestorm after recreating the stabbing of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska in a music video filmed on a Charlotte train. The depiction, meant as an artistic statement, drew swift backlash from audiences who deemed it insensitive to a devastating real-life event. Yet the controversy took an unexpected turn as local authorities appeared more receptive to DaBaby than many had expected.

According to the New York Post, DaBaby recently met with Mecklenburg County Sheriff Garry McFadden. An Instagram post captured the encounter, showing the two sharing a light-hearted moment as DaBaby flashed a peace sign. The caption hinted at potential collaboration: “Yesterday, Sheriff McFadden sat down with DaBaby to discuss important issues and potential collaborations. Stay tuned to what’s cooking up.” While the details remain unclear, speculation suggests the conversation may have touched on community safety and local initiatives.

DaBaby’s Tribute Sparks Backlash Over Ethics

The meeting follows DaBaby’s release of “SAVE ME,” a song dramatizing Zarutska’s death. In the video, he is shown intervening in an attempted murder, ending with a screenshot of a GoFundMe for Zarutska’s family, which has raised more than $471,000. Though framed as a tribute, many viewers criticized the video as exploiting grief for artistic purposes, highlighting the delicate balance between homage and controversy.

Local transit authorities also entered the fray. The Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) confirmed that DaBaby’s team had not received permission to film on the city’s light rail, prompting their swift removal. The clash underscores the challenges artists face when incorporating real-world tragedies into creative projects, particularly in public spaces.