Fetty Wap Supports Florida Principal Caught in Yearbook Lyric Controversy

Rapper Fetty Wap has shown support for a Florida school principal who was caught in an unexpected controversy over one of his lyrics. News 4JAX broke the news on Thursday, June 4.

Katie O’Connell, principal of Trout Creek Academy, received flowers from Fetty Wap’s team after being placed on administrative leave over a quote that appeared in the school’s yearbook. The lyric, taken from one of the rapper’s songs, was printed alongside O’Connell’s name despite her insistence that she never approved it.

The yearbook, distributed earlier this year, featured the line, “Everybody hatin’, we just call them fans though.” School officials attributed the quote to O’Connell, prompting an investigation by the St. Johns County School District into alleged inappropriate conduct.

O’Connell, a veteran educator with more than two decades in the district, maintains the lyric did not appear in the final version she reviewed before publication. “That quote was not in there,” O’Connell said. “When we were done proofreading it, we said, ‘Go ahead and send it. It’s good.’ We signed off on the yearbook. When it arrived, that quote was there on the front page and attributed to me, which would never be me.”

Dispute Over Yearbook Edits and Administrative Action

The dispute escalated after the yearbook reached students and families. O’Connell said district officials removed her from campus and informed her that her contract would not be renewed for the upcoming school year. “I was just sent home,” she said. “They called it inappropriate conduct and released documents to the media. I had no control over the process. I couldn’t even speak for myself. I’ve had no hearing. It’s been really disappointing.”

Her attorney, Jack Webb, argues that additional edits occurred after O’Connell approved the final proof. According to Webb, a student added material that included the lyric without O’Connell’s knowledge. “It was distributed in an inappropriate manner prematurely,” Webb said. His legal team intends to seek a court order requiring the school board to provide a formal hearing. The school board has declined public comment, citing pending litigation.

Community Support and National Attention

Meanwhile, the case has attracted national attention. O’Connell said support from Fetty Wap and members of the public has helped during a difficult period. She described the flowers sent by the rapper’s team as a thoughtful gesture.

Community members have also contributed to a fundraising campaign established to help cover legal expenses. The GoFundMe campaign has raised more than $3,000 as supporters continue to rally behind the longtime educator while the dispute moves forward.