French rapper Zola is facing a series of serious criminal charges following an alleged violent attack on a teenage fan who attempted to take a selfie with him. The incident, which involved kidnapping and a handgun, has sent shockwaves through the entertainment industry.
The Violent Ordeal in Le Pin
According to reports from Le Parisien, the events unfolded on November 6 in Le Pin, Seine-et-Marne. A 19-year-old fan and two of his friends visited the home of the rapper, whose real name is Aurélien N'zuzi Zola, hoping to get a picture. The situation escalated dramatically when Zola allegedly emerged from his property with eight masked men and gave chase. While two of the teenagers managed to escape, the 19-year-old was not as fortunate.
The prosecutor, Jean-Baptiste Bladier, stated that the victim was caught and forcibly dragged back to the star's home. 'During the two hours that followed, both inside and outside the said home, the victim was subjected to numerous acts of violence in the form of punches, kicks, insults and verbal threats,' Bladier said. The teenager was reportedly forced to undress, after which his clothes were set on fire.
Weapon Threats and Racial Insults
The violence took an even more sinister turn when a firearm was produced. 'A handgun was pointed at one of his temples before the barrel of said weapon was inserted into his mouth,' the prosecutor detailed. It is also alleged that during the two-hour ordeal, Zola made several comments referencing the victim's ethnicity, reportedly stating that he did not want to go to prison 'for a little white kid like (him)'.
In addition to the physical and psychological trauma, the fan's bank card and phone were stolen. His car was also vandalised, with its tyres slashed and a mirror smashed. The victim sought refuge at a nearby family member's home and was initially signed off work for six days. Due to the severity of the incident, this sick leave has since been extended by another 35 days.
Arrests and Pending Court Hearing
The rapper's time in freedom was short-lived. On the Tuesday following the incident, a morning raid involving forty officers was conducted at his home, leading to his arrest. Zola is now being held in pre-trial detention alongside three other individuals, aged 25 and 26.
The charges brought against them are extensive and severe. They include kidnapping, aggravated assault, theft, property damage, and the unauthorised possession of a weapon. A further court hearing has been scheduled for Wednesday as the legal process continues to unfold.
