A prominent drill rapper and ARIA Award winner found himself in police custody just half an hour before he was scheduled to headline a show at a New South Wales club last Friday night.
Chaotic Arrest Caught on Camera
Blake Turnell, 31, was arrested outside Club Evans RSL at approximately 7pm on Friday, January 2, after police were called by venue staff. Officers alleged the performer was intoxicated and trespassing after he reportedly failed to leave the premises when directed. Footage from the scene captured a heated exchange as police attempted to place Turnell into a waiting vehicle.
In the video, Turnell can be heard protesting, "Nah, nah, I have to do a show," while another person pleads with officers, asking if the situation can be resolved. The arrest occurred a mere 35 minutes before his performance was set to begin, leading to the immediate cancellation of the event.
Charges and Court Date Set
The rapper was formally charged with two offences: being an excluded person who failed to leave premises when required, and hindering or resisting a police officer in the execution of their duty. Following the arrest, Turnell was granted conditional bail and is now scheduled to appear at Ballina Local Court on February 26 to answer the charges.
Rapper's Apology and Refund Promise
In a statement released after the incident, Turnell offered a public apology and admitted he had been "far too intoxicated to perform." He attributed his actions to a relapse in his battle with alcohol, stating, "some tough times led me back to the bottle."
While claiming he had no memory of around six hours that evening, Turnell contested the police's actions, arguing, "I hadn't committed a crime at the venue. Unless there's a charge you're laying on me you can't just come kick me out of my own show." He confirmed that all patrons would receive a full refund for the cancelled performance.
