Rapper Boosie Badazz is facing legal threats from the Louisiana Attorney General over his use of Caleb Wilson’s name in promotional materials for an event. Boosie announced his plans to start a scholarship in the 20-year-old’s memory during his sixth annual Boosie Bash Festival at Southern University. However, Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill claims Boosie had no authority to mention Caleb’s name and is threatening a lawsuit on behalf of Wilson’s family.
Murrill asserted that Wilson’s memory was used for event promotion that wasn’t charitable and revealed that the family was not informed about the scholarship. “Caleb Wilson’s parents have advised me that they have not given consent and know nothing about their son’s name and image being used to promote this event,” Murrill reportedly said. She added that the family requested the removal of Caleb’s name, image, and any reference to a scholarship from all promotional materials.
In response to the lawsuit threat, Boosie publicly stated that he had intended to honor Caleb Wilson but was now accused of misappropriating his name, image, and likeness without the family’s permission. Boosie took to social media to clarify his intentions. He refuted claims that Caleb Wilson’s parents were unaware of the scholarship and that he exploited the late student’s memory for a paid event.
“It’s sad for this lawyer and family to say I promoted my event off someone’s passing! My event was promoted on Eventbrite since Nov 14. This incident happened a week before my event was to take place! How the f**k can I capitalize off someone’s death for a concert. That’s ain’t me,” Boosie wrote.
Boosie Badazz scholarship faces legal issues
The rapper added that he was asked to assist and believed he was helping. The legal action against him while he was attempting to support feels like an “ultimate betrayal.”
Boosie also highlighted his efforts to reach out to Caleb’s family, saying he’s been trying to give them $20,000 since learning about Caleb Wilson’s death but has faced difficulties in getting in touch with them.
Boosie shared his frustration with the situation in a live session, questioning the motives of the Attorney General and expressing his disappointment with his hometown. He hinted at possibly taking his annual concert on the road, rather than hosting it in Louisiana, due to the ongoing legal troubles and feeling unfairly targeted. Following Caleb Wilson’s death, three men were arrested.
The 20-year-old was pledging Omega Psi Phi in an off-campus ritual on February 27 that involved being punched in the chest. Wilson collapsed after several hits, and friends rushed him to Baton Rouge General Hospital. Caleb McCray, a Southern University alum, was the first man arrested in connection to his death.
McCray faces charges including criminal hazing and manslaughter. Kyle Thurman and Isaiah Smith were also arrested for criminal hazing. The investigation is ongoing and may involve more suspects.
This situation continues to evolve, and the public awaits further developments.
