British rapper Ghetts has been charged with causing serious injury by dangerous driving after allegedly being involved in a hit-and-run incident that resulted in the death of a 20-year-old man.
The artist and actor, whose real name is Justin Clarke-Samuel, appeared at Stratford Magistrates’ Court in London on Monday, October 20. This follows a crash that occurred in Redbridge Lane East, Ilford, on October 18.
Authorities are seeking witnesses to the incident, with Clarke-Samuel accused of not stopping after hitting the man.
The victim was transported to a hospital where he remained until his death on Monday, coinciding with Clarke-Samuel’s court appearance.
With the man’s passing, Clarke-Samuel’s charges are anticipated to change from causing serious injury to causing death by dangerous driving.
This change is expected at the next hearing, with Clarke-Samuel remaining in custody and scheduled to appear at Barkingside Magistrates’ Court on October 27.
Clarke-Samuel has not made any public statements regarding the incident. Meanwhile, his music career remains successful, with a nomination for the Mercury Prize in 2024 and wins at the Mobo Awards in 2021 for Best Male Act and the Mobo Pioneer Award in 2024 for his contributions to British black culture.
In addition to music, Clarke-Samuel has a role in Netflix’s popular show “Supacell,” which captivated audiences who binge-watched the series in one sitting.
The show features a group of Black British individuals who suddenly acquire superpowers.
Discussing his television role, the rapper told NME: “It feels good to have success in another area where the door was probably opened by music.”
Regarding his potential future in acting, he added: “God willing, man. It’s something that I enjoy and it’s something I want to do further.”
Reflecting on his career approach, Clarke-Samuel told the publication: “I just create music, man – for the love, for the art.
“I love music, I love listening to it, I love creating it. The story with this [2024 album] is about a man finding purpose. The last one [2021’s ‘Conflict Of Interest‘] was about a very conflicted human being, which I still am, but in that conflict we still must find purpose as humans.
“It’s not our purpose to make money, pay bills and die. That’s where I was at. OK, you can make money – you can make a lot of money and live a lavish life – but what are you doing? It might be someone’s purpose just to love. It might be someone’s purpose to connect the dots. It’s something that feels more fulfilling than what we do day-to-day.”
Representatives for Ghetts have been contacted for comment.