Rapper Lil Tjay Arrested in Florida, Lawyer Disputes Offset Shooting Connection

The 24-year-old rapper was booked on charges of disorderly conduct and driving without a valid license.

Apr. 7, 2026 at 7:23pm

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An abstract, high-contrast close-up photograph of shattered glass reflecting a faint red light, conveying a sense of tension and the aftermath of a violent incident in the entertainment industry.The violent clash between two prominent figures in the rap world has left a trail of broken glass and unanswered questions.Hollywood Today

Lil Tjay, the 24-year-old rapper whose real name is Tione Jayden Merritt, was arrested in Hollywood, Florida on Monday in connection to an incident related to Offset's shooting at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino. However, Lil Tjay's lawyer is denying that the rapper was involved with the shooting, stating that 'Lil Tjay has not been shot, nor has Lil Tjay been charged with any shooting.'

Why it matters

The arrest of a high-profile rapper like Lil Tjay, who has faced legal troubles in the past, raises questions about the ongoing tensions and violence within the rap music industry. The denial of involvement in Offset's shooting also highlights the importance of verifying information from trusted news sources before spreading rumors.

The details

According to the Seminole Police Department, Lil Tjay was one of two individuals arrested on Monday in connection to the incident that led to Offset being shot near the hotel valet. Lil Tjay was booked on charges of disorderly conduct and operating a vehicle without a valid license. However, his lawyer, Dawn M. Florio, has stated that the rapper 'has not been shot, nor has Lil Tjay been charged with any shooting,' and that 'any reporting to the contrary is false.'

  • The incident occurred on Monday at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida.
  • Lil Tjay was arrested on Monday in connection to the incident.

The players

Lil Tjay

A 24-year-old rapper whose real name is Tione Jayden Merritt, who was arrested in Hollywood, Florida on charges of disorderly conduct and operating a vehicle without a valid license.

Offset

A member of the rap trio Migos, who was shot and transported to the hospital in stable condition following the incident at the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino.

Dawn M. Florio

The apparent attorney for Lil Tjay, who posted a statement on Instagram denying the rapper's involvement in Offset's shooting.

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What they’re saying

“'Lil Tjay has not been shot, nor has Lil Tjay been charged with any shooting. Any reporting to the contrary is false. We encourage people to consult trusted news sources, and to verify the accuracy of any reporting, before reflexively sharing or repeating baseless rumors.'”

— Dawn M. Florio, Lil Tjay's Attorney

What’s next

The Seminole Police Department has not filed charges against the second individual arrested in connection to the incident. It remains to be seen if any further charges will be brought against Lil Tjay or the other detainee.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing tensions and violence within the rap music industry, as well as the importance of verifying information from trusted news sources before spreading rumors about high-profile figures like Lil Tjay. The denial of involvement by the rapper's lawyer also underscores the need for caution when reporting on such sensitive matters.