E. Voake / Getty Images Entertainment via Getty Images
Tyler, the Creator Arrested for Inciting a Riot at SXSW
Tyler, the Creator has been arrested for allegedly starting a riot during the South by Southwest festival.
According to the AP, the Odd Future rapper was arrested on Saturday afternoon at the airport in Austin, Texas, and booked for inciting a riot at his concert.
Police say the 23-year-old, born Tyler Gregory Okonma, provoked his fans to break through the barricade and past venue employees at the at-capacity Converse/Thrasher “Death Match” event at Austin’s Scoot Inn on Thursday.
In a warrant, officers claim Tyler yelled for fans to push their way inside twice, and that a bartender tried protecting a woman from getting trampled on, but got punched in the face for it.
He is currently in custody on $25,000 bond. If convicted of inciting a riot, he faces up to a year in jail and a $4,000 fine.
Tyler’s concert was canceled on Wednesday after a suspected drunk driver plowed into a crowd of people, killing two and injuring 23 others.
UPDATE: Tyler has been released on $25,000 bond (see mug shot above). He has since spoken out on Twitter.