Rapper DaBaby is at the centre of a firestorm of criticism after featuring two individuals charged with the abduction and murder of a two-year-old boy in his latest music video.
The controversial clip for the track 'Ghetto Girls' includes appearances by Iryna Zarutska, 32, and her boyfriend DeCarlos Brown, 38. The pair are currently facing serious charges in Florida, USA, related to the death of young Taylen Mosley following the murder of his mother, 20-year-old Pashun Jeffery.
A Chilling Case
Zarutska was initially employed as the family's nanny. The situation turned tragic when Jeffery was found stabbed to death in her apartment in March 2023. Her son, Taylen, was reported missing at the same time, sparking a frantic search. Tragically, the toddler's body was discovered days later in a alligator-infested retention pond.
Zarutska and Brown were subsequently arrested and charged with first-degree murder, kidnapping, and child abuse. They have both pleaded not guilty and are currently being held without bond, awaiting a trial scheduled for next year.
Public and Industry Backlash
The decision to cast them in a glamorous music video, filmed while they were out on bond before being re-arrested, has been met with universal disgust. Social media users and commentators have condemned the video as "tone-deaf," "disgusting," and an affront to the victims' family.
Many have expressed horror that individuals accused of such heinous crimes were given a platform in this manner. The video has been widely criticised for its poor judgement and for appearing to exploit a real-life tragedy for entertainment purposes.
As of now, DaBaby has not publicly commented on the mounting criticism or explained the reasoning behind the controversial casting decision.
