Offset is recovering after being injured in a shooting outside the Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood on Monday, with rapper Lil Tjay arrested as a suspect in the incident.
Authorities say the situation unfolded Monday evening around 7 p.m. in the casino’s valet area, where a fight reportedly broke out and escalated into gunfire. Offset, whose real name is Kiari Cephus, was taken to Memorial Regional Hospital with injuries that were not considered life-threatening.
Police arrested Lil Tjay—born Tione Jayden Merritt—on misdemeanor charges including disorderly conduct and driving without a valid license. While officials indicated his arrest is connected to the broader investigation, he has not been charged in relation to the shooting itself. Another individual was briefly detained at the scene but has not faced charges, and investigators are still working to determine exactly what led to the altercation.
Amid online speculation, Lil Tjay’s attorney pushed back strongly, stating: “We are issuing this release in regards to false rumors that Lil Tjay was involved in a shooting which occurred at the Valet Area of the Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood which resulting in non-life-threatening injuries to Offset, formerly a member of Migos. Lil Tjay has not been shot, nor has Lil Tjay been charged with any shooting. Any reporting to the contrary is false. We encourage people to consult trusted news sources, and to verify the accuracy of any reporting, before reflexively sharing or repeating baseless rumors.”
Offset rose to fame as part of Migos alongside Quavo and the late Takeoff, helping shape modern hip-hop with hits like “Versace,” “Bad and Boujee,” and “Walk It Talk It.” This incident comes years after Takeoff was fatally shot in 2022.
Offset also shares three children with rapper Cardi B, who has not publicly addressed the situation as of press time.
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