Wiz Khalifa arrested in Romania for onstage cannabis smoking

Wiz Khalifa was arrested in Romania after smoking marijuana onstage during his performance at the Beach Please! Festival on Saturday (13 July).

The “See You Again” rapper, 36, was seen smoking the substance in footage shared on social media. He was later charged with “illegal possession of high-risk drugs,” as confirmed by a press release from Romanian law enforcement.

Khalifa, whose real name is Cameron Thomaz, apologized on social media for the incident, stating that he didn’t “mean any disrespect” by consuming the drugs on stage in front of an audience of thousands.

The Directorate for Investigating Organized Crime and Terrorism revealed in their statement that Khalifa “possessed over 18 grams of cannabis” and had consumed “another amount of cannabis in the form of an artisanal cigarette” onstage.

The Independent has contacted Khalifa’s representatives for further comment.

In footage of the incident shared on X/Twitter, Khalifa was seen being escorted by police away from the Beach Please! Festival site on Saturday night.

The following day, Khalifa, who has openly discussed his marijuana use over the years, appeared to reference his arrest in a statement on X/Twitter. He wrote, “Last night’s show was amazing. I didn’t mean any disrespect to the country of Romania by lighting up onstage.”

“They were very respectful and let me go. I’ll be back soon. But without a big a** joint next time,” he added.

Last year, Khalifa admitted to being high on magic mushrooms while throwing the first pitch at a baseball game between the Pittsburgh Pirates and the Cleveland Guardians.

Like many celebrities, Wiz was invited to throw the first pitch to begin the game. Minutes before his participation, he tweeted that he planned to get high for his throw.

“Finna get stoned af and throw this first pitch at the pirates game,” the rapper wrote on X/Twitter. One minute later, he followed up with, “Shroomed out throwin a baseball is crazy.”

Wiz Khalifa’s bold and brazen demeanor often garners public attention, and this latest incident in Romania has only added to his notorious reputation. Despite his apologies and apparent respect for local authorities, his actions have sparked a debate about the public display of drug use by influential artists.

This event underscores the legal consequences and cultural differences celebrities face when they traverse international borders. While Khalifa’s fans might see his actions as part of his rebellious spirit, the Romanian authorities treated the matter with the seriousness required by their laws.

The global reach of social media ensured that the news spread quickly, impacting both Khalifa’s fanbase and broader discussions about drug use and legality. His quick release by the Romanian authorities may suggest a level of leniency, but it also opens up questions about consistency in legal repercussions for celebrities worldwide.

Khalifa’s previous antics, such as his candid admission of being high during a ceremonial first pitch at a baseball game, have painted him as a figure who often toes the line of legality for the sake of personal expression. While these actions reinforce his image as a carefree artist, they also potentially endanger young, impressionable fans who might emulate his behavior without understanding the possible consequences.

The incident at the Beach Please! Festival is a reminder of the complex interplay between celebrity culture, law, and societal norms. In some countries, Khalifa’s actions might be dismissed as harmless fun, whereas in others, they are treated as serious legal violations.

As Khalifa continues his career, it remains to be seen whether these episodes will prompt a change in his public behavior or further solidify his identity as a provocative artist willing to push boundaries. His statements following the incident suggest a blend of regret and defiance, indicative of his unique standing in popular culture.

Source: The Independent