In a fiery response to legal actions taken against him, rapper Boosie Badazz has announced that he may relocate his popular Boosie Bash music festival out of Louisiana. The decision comes in light of Attorney General Liz Merl’s claims that Boosie misappropriated the name and image of Caleb Wilson, a young man who died in an alleged hazing incident, to promote the event.
During an impassioned video, Boosie expressed his frustration with the allegations, stating, “These people trying to take me down, bro. I don’t think I’m going to Baton Rouge no more.” He lamented that the legal issues could mark the end of Boosie Bash in his hometown, proposing instead to take the festival on the road to various states including Texas, Florida, and Tennessee.
Boosie explained that the festival was intended to honor Caleb Wilson by establishing a scholarship fund in his memory. He confirmed to local news outlet WBRZ that he had planned to use proceeds from the festival for this purpose, stating, “We’re going to try to do something positive.” However, Wilson’s family claims they had no knowledge of their son’s name being used for the event and were unaware of any discussions regarding the festival until after the fact.
Merl’s office has indicated that they intend to pursue legal action against Boosie and his team for what they describe as a “dramatic misrepresentation” of Caleb’s name and image for profit. She emphasized that the promoters had exploited a tragic loss for their own gain, asserting that the family deserves an apology.
In response to the potential backlash, Boosie is already looking to book venues across the country, stating he would invest $300,000 to $400,000 in a new tour. “I’m going to take it on the road, man. People trying to bring me down in my own city,” he declared. He encouraged fans to suggest locations for the tour, emphasizing that he aims to expand the festival beyond Louisiana.
Boosie’s plans reflect a broader frustration with what he perceives as systemic attempts to undermine his success in his local community. The controversy surrounding the Boosie Bash highlights the complexities of using a deceased individual’s name for promotional purposes, especially in the sensitive context of tragedy.
As the situation unfolds, Boosie’s team has stated they are aware of the Attorney General’s concerns and are preparing to respond. Meanwhile, the community watches closely as the fate of Boosie Bash hangs in the balance, along with the legacy Boosie hopes to create for Caleb Wilson.