Machine Gun Kelly (MGK) has disclosed that he is prohibited from using TSA PreCheck or any other expedited airport security service due to a past drug possession conviction. The 36-year-old musician, whose real name is Colson Baker, shared this information during a recent episode of the Take Flight podcast.
Details of the Ban
Speaking with host Hadyn Wings backstage at Kudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Kelly explained that his legal troubles stem from an incident involving cocaine. 'I got caught with cocaine on the way back from New Zealand last time I was out here. Traveling was difficult because I have a level one narcotics possession or whatever,' he said. As a result, he is not eligible for TSA PreCheck or Global Entry, programs that allow faster processing through airport security. 'I still don't get [TSA] PreCheck or Global Entry or any of that fast stuff in the airport. I'm still stuck in lines like normal,' he added.
Return to Australia After Eight Years
The rapper noted that it took him eight years to return to Australia amid the legal ordeal. Earlier this month, he posted on Instagram about his time in Oceania, writing, 'I won't wait 8 years to come back again. thank you Australia, love ya heeps.'
Sobriety Journey
In August 2024, Kelly announced he had been sober for nearly a year. On Bunnie Xo's Dumb Blonde podcast, he discussed his decision to stop using drugs and alcohol. He explained that he needed to 'zoom out' and address 'generational curses' to achieve sobriety. 'I had to zoom out and take a look at myself from a holistic perspective,' he told People in September 2024. 'I was born on the 22nd. Twenty-two is a master number. What am I here to master? I had to ask myself that question.'
Family Life
Kelly shares a one-year-old daughter, Saga, with ex-girlfriend Megan Fox, 39. He is also father to a 16-year-old daughter, Casie, from a previous relationship with Emma Cannon. On his birthday, he shared an adorable video reading to Saga, writing, 'I usually throw a big birthday party today, but this all I want.' Saga turned one on March 27, and Kelly paid tribute on Instagram with photos and the caption '1,' accompanied by emojis. Fox and Kelly have kept their daughter's face private.
Last August, Kelly praised Fox for her parenting efforts. On the Today show, he told host Jenna Bush Hager, 'I want to detract all of the congrats to me and just move it to Megan because she really does all the work.' He joked about being called 'the music teacher' and shared, 'Someone the other day was like, 'You're such a good dad!' just because I was holding the baby. And [Megan] was fuming, like, 'No, no, no, no.' She's the one. I just play the guitar and pray that the baby is happy.'
