Lil Baby’s 2017 triple-platinum hit “Freestyle” — particularly its use of the n-word — has landed Chelsea soccer star Mykhailo Mudryk in sizzling water.
The 22-year-old winger, who joined the Premier League membership in a $75 million switch from Shakhtar Donetsk in his native Ukraine earlier this month, used the racial slur whereas rapping alongside to the track in a video posted to TikTook final July.
The since-deleted clip, which was seen over 200,000 occasions, not too long ago resurfaced on social media within the wake of his big-money transfer to London, bringing the hotly-tipped expertise below fireplace. Mudryk’s staff issued an apology shortly after, insisting he didn’t imply to trigger any offense.
“Mykhailo is deeply sorry for any offence caused by the video posted on his TikTok account last July,” his consultant stated in an announcement. “Whilst his intention was solely to recite lyrics of a song, Mykhailo regrets his decision and wholeheartedly accepts it was not appropriate. The video has since been removed.”
Still, that hasn’t stopped a few of English soccer’s greatest and strongest organizations from taking motion. According to The Athletic, the Football Association — the nation’s governing physique of soccer — has launched an investigation into the matter.
Leading anti-discrimination group Kick It Out, in the meantime, condemned Mudryk’s use of the n-word, no matter its context.
“Kick It Out condemns the use of all racial slurs, including the N-word irrespective of context,” it stated in an announcement. “The N-word is deeply offensive and the usage of this time period by high-profile figures in soccer can solely serve to alienate folks from the sport.
The assertion continued: “It is important that footballers use their significant platform in a positive way, and we’re encouraged to see that Mykhailo Mudryk has acknowledged the hurt caused by his use of this offensive slur.”
While it stays to be seen whether or not Mudryk can be punished over the video, the FA hasn’t been shy in punishing the usage of racial slurs prior to now.
In 2021, former Manchester United striker and Uruguayan worldwide Edison Cavani was given a three-game ban and £100,000 ($123,000) nice for utilizing the phrase “negrito” in an Instagram put up to a pal.
In some of the high-profile circumstances of racism within the Premier League, fellow Uruguayan Luis Suárez (who on the time performed for Liverpool) was handed an eight-match suspension and £40,000 ($49,000) nice in 2011 after he was discovered responsible of racially abusing Manchester United defender Patrice Evra throughout a recreation between the rival golf equipment.
Mykhailo Mudryk is way from the one white rap fan to face backlash for utilizing the n-word whereas reciting lyrics. Last yr, a Wu-Tang Clan from the UK was fined £500 ($617) for utilizing the racial slur whereas recording himself rapping alongside to “Protect Ya Neck” for TikTook in a ladies’s lavatory stall.
Back in 2018, a white lady was checked by none apart from Kendrick Lamar after she didn’t censor herself whereas performing “m.A.A.d city” onstage with him at Hangout Music Festival in Alabama. After she dropped three n-bombs, Kendrick minimize the music and politely gave her a second likelihood, explaining that she “gotta bleep one single word.”
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