Rapper Lil Tjay found himself in legal trouble on Monday, as he was apprehended on charges of disorderly conduct and driving without a valid license. This arrest in Florida came in the aftermath of an incident involving a shooting that left fellow artist Offset injured, though Lil Tjay’s lawyer insists he played no role in the violence.
Known legally as Tione Merritt, Lil Tjay was booked by authorities in Broward County, as indicated by jail records. The charges against him carried a combined bond of $3,000. The Seminole Police Department confirmed to USA Today that Merritt’s arrest was “in connection with the incident.” While another individual was held at the scene, they have yet to face any charges.
Addressing the swirling rumors on social media, Merritt’s attorney, Dawn M. Florio, made it clear that her client was neither involved in the shooting nor injured by it. “Merritt has not been shot, nor has Lil Tjay been charged with any shooting,” Florio stated, refuting any contrary claims.
The Seminole Police Department told USA Today Merritt was arrested “in connection with the incident.” A second person was detained at the scene but has not been charged.
Lawyer disputes online rumors
Merritt’s attorney, Dawn M. Florio, pushed back on speculation circulating online, saying in a statement that her client was not involved in the shooting.
“Merritt has not been shot, nor has Lil Tjay been charged with any shooting,” Florio said, adding that “any reporting to the contrary is false.”
Offset hospitalized after shooting
Offset, a member of the rap group Migos, was shot Monday evening in Hollywood, Florida, near the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino, according to multiple reports.
His representative confirmed to Variety that the rapper was hospitalized and is in stable condition.
“We can confirm Offset was shot and is currently at the hospital receiving medical care,” the representative said. “He is stable and being closely monitored.”
Police said one person suffered injuries that were not life-threatening in the incident, which occurred in a valet area outside the casino. Authorities have not publicly identified the victim.
Officials said the scene has been secured and there is no ongoing threat to the public.
Who is Offset?
Offset, who rose to fame as part of Migos, married fellow rapper Cardi B in 2017. The couple share three children, though Cardi B filed for divorce in 2024.
Migos released four full-length albums across their career, closing that chapter after the killing of Takeoff.
The third member of Migos, rapper Quavo, sought to transform his nephew Takeoff’s tragic shooting into a force for change, holding a summit against gun violence in 2024.
Police said Takeoff was an innocent bystander when he was shot outside a Houston bowling alley after a disagreement over a dice game. Takeoff’s death was among a string of fatal shootings in recent years that involved hip-hop stars such as Nipsey Hussle, Pop Smoke, PnB Rock and Young Dolph.
Offset embarked on a solo career years before Takeoff’s death.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
