In a surprising turn of events, the iconic rapper and entertainer, MC Hammer, found himself in the spotlight for reasons other than his music. Recently, Hammer was arrested in Northern California under controversial circumstances, shedding light on the persistent issue of racial profiling in law enforcement. Despite his fame and success, Hammer, known offstage as Stanley Kirk Burrel, faced allegations of obstructing an officer during a routine encounter outside a shopping center in Dublin, CA.
Hammer took to Twitter to share his side of the story, recounting a tense exchange with the officer that quickly escalated. The incident, which began with a simple inquiry about parole or probation, spiraled into a dramatic confrontation involving guns and accusations of racial bias. While Hammer’s claims of racial profiling sparked a heated debate, police reports suggested a different narrative, citing issues like expired vehicle registration and uncooperative behavior.
Despite the legal ramifications and public scrutiny, Hammer remained resilient, viewing the ordeal as a “teachable moment” and a stark reminder of the realities faced by people of color in America. As the controversy unfolds, the incident raises important questions about justice, equality, and the pervasive nature of racial profiling in society.
MC Hammer’s Arrest and the Allegations
We guess Hammer isn’t too legit to not get arrested and/or harassed by the police. The legendary rapper/entertainer, MC Hammer was arrested in Northern California on Thursday for allegedly obstructing an officer. The rapper his arrest on Saturday via a twitter rant where he explained that he was the victim of racial profiling.
The Controversial Encounter and Legal Fallout
Hammer, who was born and raised in Oakland, CA and known to his loved ones as Stanley Kirk Burrel was reportedly sitting in a car outside a shopping center in Dublin, CA, which is a -america-in-open-letter” target=”_blank”> east of Oakland, when he was approached by an officer of the law. Via Twitter, Hammer described the scene as such, “Chubby elvis looking dude was tapping on my car window, I rolled down the window and he said ‘Are you on parole or probation?” The Oakland rapper continued, “While I was handing him my ID he reached in my car and tried to pull me out the car but forgot he was on a steady donut diet”¦. It was comical to me until he pulled out his guns, blew his whistle and yelled for help (MallCop) !!! But make no mistake he’s dangerous “¦. only thing more dangerous than a scared man with a gun, is a scared man with an agenda, a gun and a badge. I was citied for obstruction smh.”
According to reports from the Dublin Police, Mr. Burrel was in a vehicle with expired registration, and he was not the registered owner, which would negate Hammer’s racial profiling claim if the police story holds true. Police spokesman Herb Walters released a statement via CNN, ” asking Hammer who the registered owner was he became very argumentative and refused to answer the officer’s questions.”
MC Hammer was arrested and booked on suspicion of resisting an officer and obstructing an officer in the performance of his duties at the Santa Rita Jail. He was obviously released on bail and is scheduled to appear in court next month to face the charges.
Reflections and Moving Forward
The “You Can’t Touch This” superstar finid off his twitter rant saying the incident was a “teachable moment” and an “eye opener.” Hammer went on to answer the officer’s initial question. “I will answer his question,…contrary to his personal beliefs, all people of color are not on parole or probation fat boy!!!”
We that racial profiling exist but what do you think Hammer was the victim in this incident?
