Meek Mill is a free man.
Mill left the Chester State Correctional Institution Tuesday via helicopter after the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania ruled that the lower court must immediately issue an order to release the rapper, whose prison sentence for violating parole has sparked national discussion, out on unsecured bail.
The chopper belongs to Philadelphia 76ers co-owner Michael Rubin, who previously said Mill’s first stop out of prison would be the team’s playoff game against the Miami Heat.
The businessman shared a selfie shortly after takeoff that showed a freshly sprung Mill flashing a smile and a peace sign. The rapper went straight to the Wells Fargo Center, where he rang the bell to kick off the game.
The long-awaited development comes one week after Philadelphia prosecutors said they want the rapper’s drug and gun convictions tossed in light of recent developments, namely accusations that his arresting officer lied under oath at his trial a decade ago.
The judge presiding over the case, Genece Brinkley, had refused to free the star on bail after the prosecutor’s recommendation, and scheduled another hearing for June.
“While the past five months have been a nightmare, the prayers, visits, calls, letters and rallies have helped me stay positive,” the rapper said in a statement.
“To the Philadelphia District Attorney’s office, I’m grateful for your commitment to justice. I understand that many people of color across the country don’t have that luxury and I plan to use my platform to shine a light on those issues. In the meantime, I plan to work closely with my legal team to overturn this unwarranted conviction and look forward to reuniting with my family and resuming my music career.”
Meek Mill deserves new trial and charges dismissed, DA says
In a separate statement, Mill’s attorney praised the court’s decision and doubled down on his belief that the rapper was “unjustly convicted” and should never have been behind bars.
“We are also pleased that the Pennsylvania Supreme Court has noted that Judge Brinkley may opt to remove herself from presiding over any further proceedings in Meek’s case in the interests of justice,” the statement read. “Meek is excited to be reunited with his family, and we, along with Meek, intend to continue to shine the light on a justice system in need of reform to prevent any other citizen from being put through what Meek has endured.”
By: Rachel Desantis