Marcus Rashford has issued a strong statement after being notified that a tabloid newspaper are set to produce photos of the Manchester United star alongside a controversial rapper.
The 27-year-old took to social media on Thursday night to address the impending story from an unnamed publication, insisting he had no knowledge of the photo, nor did he know the individual concerned.
His post referenced Jimmy Mizen, a schoolboy who was killed in 2008. His killer Jake Fahri was yesterday reportedly revealed as the rapper TEN, according to the Sun. The balaclava-clad drill rapper has been featured on BBC Radio 1Xtra and has lyrics boasting about killing a person.
Fahri was released from prison in June 2023 after serving 14 years of his life sentence for the horrific murder.
In his Instagram story, Rashford wrote: “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.
“Can I please urge the tabloids rather than focusing on me, to use their platforms to help raise positive awareness on the many charities and individuals that work daily throughout the UK to tackle knife crime to prevent more families suffering tragic loss. My deepest sympathy goes to the family of Jimmy Mizen.”
Jake Fahri was jailed for killing Jimmy Mizen in 2008
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In one of his songs, which was not played on the BBC, rapper TEN says: “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 have released a statement which reads: “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 launched a probe into the killer. A spokesperson said: “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.”