Marcus Rashford issues urgent statement ahead of imminent 'photo release'
Manchester United star Marcus Rashford has issued a statement after being told a tabloid newspaper are set to publish photos of him alongside a controversial rapper
Manchester United ace Marcus Rashford has issued a strong statement after being told that a tabloid is set to release photos of him with a controversial rapper.
The 27-year-old footballer hit back on social media Thursday evening, ahead of the story from an unnamed paper, clarifying he had no clue about the photo or the person in it.
His post on Instagram mentioned Jimmy Mizen, a schoolboy tragically killed in 2008, whose murderer Jake Fahri was recently outed as rapper TEN by The Sun. The masked drill artist, who's appeared on BBC Radio 1Xtra, raps about committing murder.
Fahri was released in June 2023, having served 14 years for the horrific crime. Rashford's Instagram story stated: "Been contacted today by a tabloid informing me that they plan to publish a photo of me with a rapper apparently taken over a year ago.
"I want to make it clear I have never seen this photo, I do not know this person, and I am not friends with him. Like most footballers if someone asks for a photo with me, I will never refuse but I am obviously not able to do a background check on every individual that asks me for a photo.
"I would like to ask the tabloids to shift their focus from me to utilising their platforms to raise positive awareness about the numerous charities and individuals working tirelessly across the UK to combat knife crime, preventing more families from experiencing devastating loss. My heartfelt condolences go to Jimmy Mizen's family."
One of TEN's songs, which wasn't aired on the BBC, includes the lyrics: "Stuck it on a man and watched him melt like Ben and Jerry's. Sharpen up my blade I've got to keep those necessary." In another, they say: "See a man's soul fly from his eyes and his breath gone. Seeing blood spilled same floor he was left on."
The BBC released a statement, saying: "Decisions on music are made on a case by case basis and we have strict editorial guidelines in place before any content is broadcast or posted. BBC 1Xtra does not glamourise violence and this individual does not feature on any playlists."
Meanwhile, the Ministry of Justice has initiated an investigation into the killer. A spokesperson stated: "We are aware of this content and are investigating it as a priority. We take any material that could glorify violence or distress victims extremely seriously."