An 18 year old New Jersey high school senior named Michael is facing serious legal trouble over a rap he posted to SoundCloud, according to BuzzFeed News.
BuzzFeed News reports that on February 24, Michael uploaded a track with violent lyrics aimed at classmates, and that the title referenced James Caldwell High School in West Caldwell. He then shared the song on social media along with a photo of himself holding what appeared to be a gun. A student who saw the posts told her mother, who contacted school officials and police.
Police responded to the campus, where a concert was being held, and the school canceled the event and evacuated the building. Michael was later found at a friend’s house and arrested on a charge of creating a false public alarm, which can carry a sentence of five to ten years. He was reportedly held in protective custody.
The school’s principal told BuzzFeed News the response was necessary and that it was not a false alarm. The case came only days after a deadly school shooting in Florida that left 17 people dead.
Michael told BuzzFeed News the song was a parody. He said he does not own a gun and never planned to hurt anyone. “It was like I was guilty the second I posted the song,” he said. “They wouldn’t let me explain myself.”
Months later, BuzzFeed News reports he was under house arrest and could face trial. His case has sparked a bigger debate about where the line sits between free expression, including violent rap lyrics, and a real threat. The charge is an allegation, and no verdict has been reached.
Where do you think the line should be drawn? Tell us in the comments.
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