Drake‘s meme-filled response to Meek Mill during the OVO Fest overshadowed the tragedy that followed the annual concert held in Toronto. Shot at an OVO Fest after-party, Duvel Hibbert, 23, and Ariela Navarro-Fenoy, 26, died from the injuries they suffered.
Drake, who was largely scrutinized for being silent about the horrific incident, has released a statement on his web site that offers his condolences and an explanation for his silence:
The last few days I have been in a moral bind.
I am used to the fact that my life and the things I say to my fans are closely watched. It’s tough in situations like this where there’s a tragedy and I consider the advice of my trusted advisors and counsel who worry that anything I might say could be misinterpreted.However, today I am choosing to follow my heart.
I am plagued and pained by the violence that continues to escalate in our city. I stare into the eyes of so many young people and I wish to see them all shine as bright as they possibly can in this lifetime. I encourage my generation to show as much value and gratitude as you can for the lives we have been gifted.My deepest condolences go out to the Navarro-Fenoy and Hibbert families for their loss of Ariela and Duvel. Along with them I send my condolences to all of the families that have lost loved ones to the senseless violence that has and continues to occur in our city.
Although Toronto is globally viewed as a major city, at the core we are still a small close-knit community, and it is our public responsibility to ensure the safety and wellbeing of one another. We need each other to further our communities for generations to come.I pray for better times and better understanding.– DRAKE
The Star noted that Drake has been vocal about Toronto gun violence before the OVO Fest shooting. He tweeted out his support after a 2012 shooting left two people dead and 23 injured.
We pray for the victims’ loved ones at this time.
SOURCE: The Star | PHOTO CREDIT: Getty
Drake Releases A Statement Following OVO Fest After-Party Shooting was originally published on theurbandaily.com
