Grammy Award-winning anti-gay "murder music" superstar Buju Banton wants to be released on bond while he appeals his conviction of federal drug conspiracy charges. Attorneys claim the Jamaican national is not a flight risk because he is too famous, reports The Associated Press.
Banton's attorney, David Markus, filed a motion Tuesday in Tampa federal court saying the singer's celebrity makes it impossible for him to flee and hide. Banton, whose given name is Mark Myrie, also has already surrendered his passport and he was electronically monitored when he was released on bond in November.
Banton was taken back into custody last month after a jury convicted him of two drug charges and one gun charge. Markus says the singer faces at least 15 years in prison. Markus also asked the court for a new trial. Banton's sentencing hearing has not been scheduled.
The reggae superstar was convicted last month in a Tampa federal court on three drug conspiracy charges. The trial began on February 14, only one day after winning the Grammy Award for Best Reggae Album. A previous jury in September 2010 had been deadlocked.
The court heard audio recordings of conversations between Banton and a federal informant arranging a cocaine deal in 2009. Banton blamed his financial problems on gay activists—specifically GLAAD—for pressuring sponsors and venues to drop him and other artists who incite violence against gays.
Predictably, some news coverage in Jamaica has also attempted to link Banton's legal problems to his anti-gay views.
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By all means, release him on bail. Maybe he can resume his never-ending war between him and faggot.
Posted by: Jim | 06 March 2011 at 00:36
OF COURSE HE DOES!
Posted by: thegayte-keeper | 06 March 2011 at 21:39
New trial? For what?! You had DRUGS dude! DRUGS! Okay?
Posted by: brandon | 07 March 2011 at 10:16
and to add, this dude is famous? Okay what about some of the american rappers like lil wayne or t.i. or even gucci mane that got locked up and they served their time, but then you have Buju Banton who does anti-gay music (those rappers I've mentioned would agree with buju, but IDK) wants a retrial and wants to be let out on bail? GTFO you predator lookin ugly mofo, no one ain't checking for you dude! Not in America!
Posted by: Brandon | 07 March 2011 at 10:23
Let me understand this: Banton spews anti-gay lyrics in his music, gays, lesbians and others respond by voting with their wallets and pocketbooks, and then Banton blames US for his "financial problems"?
Behold the crazy.
Posted by: Nathan James | 07 March 2011 at 15:14
Hatred always comes back to bite you in the nether regions. I hope you get the point. God is not going to keep putting up with people shyte talking his children. He will kick your arse for trying to get them killed or beaten. What goes around comes around baby.
Posted by: TimeKeeperAnonymous | 08 March 2011 at 09:15