Jamaican Dancehall star Vybz Kartel has been released from a Jamaican prison after serving over 10 years of a life sentence for murder.
In May, a judge in the UK denied a bond request for Kartel, born Adidja Palmer, despite having his murder conviction overturned in March.
Kartel, 48, is pictured in 2005 before skin lightening treatments.
He was convicted in the kidnapping and murder of his associate Clive “Lizard” Williams in Jamaica. Williams’ body was never found.
Kartel’s associates Shawn Campbell, Kahira Jones, and Andre St. John were also released after years behind bars.
“The appellants are freed,” the Jamaica Court of Appeal wrote on Wednesday.
“We conclude that the interest of justice does not require a new trial to be ordered,” the court wrote.
The court said that there was sufficient evidence for a retrial.
The court cited the “psychological and financial effects that it would have on the appellants,” referring to Kartel’s health.
In 2023, Kartel’s private doctor notified authorities that his Graves’ Disease and heart condition were getting worse, and his condition could be fatal.
“His neck was swollen, if you think of a shirt that is about 18.5 inches in the neck area, you couldn’t close the collar on his neck and that’s how bad it is in this moment,” his defense attorney told FOX 5. “His face is actually swollen. And one other thing. He always wears glasses; in this condition, that causes his eyes to protrude.”
BREAKING NEWS : King of Dance hall, Vybz Kartel has won the appeal. pic.twitter.com/50jjZ5wyOQ
— Amazing (@Kijanayamwingi_) May 30, 2024
Dancehall fans believe Kartel’s bond was denied due to his negative influence on young women. Kartel’s lyrics are so explicit that his songs are banned on American radio.
He encouraged young women to record themselves lip-syncing to his raunchy songs in TikTok videos (watch below).
@najayyy98 #vybzkartel #fyp #naturalhair ? Proper English – Vybz Kartel
