The music world is reeling after rapper Wiz Khalifa received a nine-month prison sentence from a Romanian court. The conviction stems from an incident last July, a moment during a festival performance that has now led to serious legal consequences for the artist.
Khalifa, whose legal name is Cameron Jibril Thomaz, was initially stopped by Romanian police while performing at the Beach, Please! Festival in Costinesti. Authorities allege the rapper smoked cannabis onstage, a brazen act that immediately drew their attention.
Following the performance, a search reportedly revealed over 18 grams of cannabis in Khalifa’s possession. Prosecutors claim a portion of the substance was smoked publicly during the show, escalating the severity of the charges.
Today, Romania’s Constanța Court of Appeal sided with prosecutors, upholding a previous appeal and delivering the nine-month sentence. The official charge: possession of dangerous drugs for personal consumption, a crime taken very seriously within the country’s legal framework.
This sentencing isn’t the first legal repercussion Khalifa faced. He was initially issued a fine of 3,000 lei – approximately $700 – but prosecutors pushed for a harsher penalty, arguing for imprisonment.
Despite the finality of the ruling under Romanian law, Khalifa’s legal team is preparing to challenge the decision with a further appeal. The fight for his freedom is far from over, as his representatives seek to overturn the court’s judgment.
Romania maintains strict laws regarding cannabis, prohibiting both recreational and medical use. Possession can result in prison sentences ranging from three months to two years, alongside substantial fines, highlighting the country’s firm stance on drug offenses.
Immediately after his initial arrest, Khalifa addressed the situation on social media. He expressed regret for any perceived disrespect towards Romania, stating the authorities were “very respectful” and allowed him to leave. He jokingly added a promise to return, but “without a big a*s joint next time.”
Currently, Khalifa is back in the United States. The crucial question now is whether Romanian authorities will pursue extradition to enforce the nine-month sentence, a move that could dramatically alter the course of this legal battle.
