(AllHipHop News) The Mighty Yasiin Bey is not going down without a fight.
The rapper, also known as Mos Def, was reportedly told he must leave South Africa, where he and his family maintain residency.
However, the rapper is speaking out through a representative.
OkayAfrica.com spoke to an unnamed person that represents the artist that says the reports are all wrong.
Below is a part of the Q&A interview.
What is your take on the allegations?
From what I’ve read their allegations are wrong. He attempted to leave the country for a professional commitment and was denied the ability to board an airplane after providing his World Passport.
Why does he have a World Passport?It’s issued by the World Service —in support of the UN Declaration of Human Rights. His understanding is that the South African government has previously accepted the World Passport to enter the country and to provide visas as recently as August.
Are there political reasons he prefers not to use his US passport?
Social and political, yes. He shouldn’t be forced to use his US passport.
Was he attempting to leave the country?
He was leaving with two people. He was heading to the Selam Music Festival [in Ethiopia]. He was scheduled to perform on the 10th. He tried to leave on the 9th but they wouldn’t let him board the plane. They violated his human right to pursue his profession.
How long was detained for?He was detained for two nights at least.
What is his position now?He’s down there to produce and to act in some motion pictures, three of which are slated to film in South Africa this year.
Is he in the country legally?
It’s my understanding that he is.
Click here to read the remainder of the interview.