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CHARLOTTE, N.C. (AXIOS) – Officials said that Charlotte rapper DaBaby did not have the city’s approval to film his newest music video for “SAVE ME,” which depicts the violent Aug. 22 stabbing on the light rail.
The big picture: Labeled “Based on a True Story,” the video was filmed on Charlotte’s Blue Line and features actors resembling Iryna Zarutska, the 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee stabbed to death on the light rail, and Decarlos Brown Jr., the accused attacker.
- In the video, transit security is shown escorting DaBaby and the actors off the light rail vehicle.
Between the lines: The Charlotte Area Transit System, known locally as CATS, told Axios that it did not grant permission for the filming. The security seen in the video was real — and was actually escorting the crew from the train, a spokesperson said.
- The filming was reported Monday, Sept. 15 as a safety concern through the system’s app, per CATS.
—> More: Rapper DaBaby releases song, music video about deadly Charlotte light rail stabbing
Context: DaBaby, a Charlotte native and Vance High School graduate, is a Grammy-nominated rapper known to represent his hometown through his lyrics, clothing choices, filming locations and by showing up at large and small events for the city. He’s also been at the center of several controversies.
The video, released Tuesday, begins with surveillance video of Zarutska and Brown on the train the night of the stabbing. DaBaby’s YouTube description notes that the song is dedicated to Zarutska and links to the GoFundMe for her family.
- DaBaby could not be immediately reached for comment.
This story from Axios Charlotte was published as part of a partnership.
—> Other news: Award-winning songwriter killed in North Carolina plane crash, reports say
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