#FREEMEEK, The Philadelphia Rapper Is Finally Free
By: Kayla Pasacreta
Meek Mill leaving State Correctional Institution in Chester, Pa, photo via AP/Philadelphia Inquirer
Fans have been screaming #freemeek, and 5 months later, the Philadelphia rapper is finally free. Meek Mill was released Tuesday around 6:465 PM, after first being sentenced to 2-4 years in November 2017 for a probation violation. Philadelphia Sixers co-owner Michael Rubin personally paid to have Mill escorted from the correctional facility in a helicopter. Pennyslavnia's Supreme Court ordered Meek free after months of his judge refusing to provide a bail. Mill issued a statement of gratitude upon his release:
“I’d like to thank God, my family, my friends, my attorneys, my team at Roc Nation including JAY-Z, Desiree Perez, my good friend Michael Rubin, my fans, The Pennsylvania Supreme Court and all my public advocates for their love, support and encouragement during this difficult time.
“While the past five months have been a nightmare, the prayers, visits, calls, letters and rallies have helped me stay positive.
“To the Philadelphia District Attorney’s office, I’m grateful for your commitment to justice – not only for my case, but for others that have been wrongfully jailed due to police misconduct. Although I’m blessed to have the resources to fight this unjust situation, I understand that many people of color across the country don’t have that luxury and I plan to use my platform to shine a light on those issues. In the meantime, I plan to work closely with my legal team to overturn this unwarranted conviction and look forward to reuniting with my family and resuming my music career.”
Jay-Z and Meek Mill, photo via Twitter
Many high-profile celebrities called on Meek Mill to be freed. Some of his famous supporters include Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney and Patriots owner Robert Kraft. Meek Mill, who is signed by Roc Nation, also has enjoyed the constant support of rapper Jay-Z. Shortly following Mill's November incarceration, Jay-Z penned a letter calling out the flawed justice system. In a statement following Mill's release, Jay-Z stated, "He was incarcerated unjustly and caught in a probation trap for years by a broken system. Now we can celebrate his release. We thank every individual that has supported and fought alongside Meek every step of the way." Robert Kraft also called for criminal justice reform, ""It's really bad. I know some of our players in the NFL have talked about this. I see it firsthand. It's just wrong, We have to find a way to correct it and also help the community help themselves. It's just sad. This guy is a great guy. Shouldn't be here. And then think of all the taxpayers here paying for people like this to be in jail and not out being productive."
Upon Mill's release, he sat court side at the Philadelphia Sixers NBA game, and was unsurprisingly welcomed to a whole lotta Philly love. Joe Tacopino, Mill's lawyer, has insisted the fight for justice isn't over, citing that Mill was "unjustly convicted". Still, Mill's conviction has not been overturned. Judge Genece Brinkley, who has been accused of having a personal vendetta against the rapper, will not remove herself from Mill's case.
