Rapper fires back at lawyers’ association in N.L. rape sentence controversy
HALIFAX — A popular Canadian rapper says he can’t understand why a prominent lawyers’ group is condemning his angry response to a controversial sexual-assault sentencing.
Classified — whose real name is Luke Boyd — took to Facebook earlier this month asking supporters to tell a judge they were unhappy with a five-year sentence handed to a man who sexually assaulted an 11-year-old Newfoundland girl.
On Tuesday, the Newfoundland and Labrador branch of the Canadian Bar Association said the rapper’s “personal attack” on the judge “is inappropriate and threatens judicial independence,” although it didn’t identify Classified by name.
“Canadians enjoy an open and transparent judicial system. All Canadians have a right to know what is happening in the courts, how justice is administered, and to be critical of court decisions. However, personal attacks on judges threaten their independence and ability to deliver justice effectively,” it said in a statement.