Rapper DaBaby dragged for Iryna Zarutska tribute music video

‘Turning a tragedy into a cash grab moment is just sick’

Rapper DaBaby is getting dragged for a new music video that reimagines the brutal killing of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska.

DaBaby, aka Jonathan Kirk, released the track Save Me on Tuesday, September 16. The video, which has already been viewed more than 800,000 times on YouTube, shows DaBaby stepping in to save Iryna from being stabbed on a light rail train in Charlotte, North Carolina.

Iryna was killed in an unprovoked attack on a light rail train last month. Video footage of Decarlos Brown Jr., the man responsible, was captured during the attack. It has since gone viral on Twitter. He was arrested at the next bus stop.

Now, in DaBaby’s music video, the real-life events are altered. Instead of Zarutska being fatally stabbed, the rapper intervenes and escorts the attacker off the train, where security waits to arrest him.

People are calling it ‘disrespectful’

Via YouTube

The creative decision has divided viewers. Some people accused DaBaby of exploiting a tragedy for attention. One person wrote, “Turning a tragedy into a cash grab moment is just sick.” Another said, “This is not showing tribute, DaBaby is sick bro.” A third added, “DaBaby turning a real-life tragedy into a self insert hero arc is wild.” Someone else said, “He is so weird. This is so disrespectful.”

But not everyone is angry, though. Some people have praised DaBaby for using his platform to bring awareness to Iryna’s story.

One YouTube comment read, “A lot of people are hating on him for making this, but I’m glad a celebrity finally brought some attention to what happened.” Another said, “Wow, DaBaby just gained some seriously massive respect in my book. Thank you for having the courage to bring attention to this tragedy.” A third added, “Genuinely a beautiful song by DaBaby, never thought I’d say that.”