Lil Tjay Denies Fighting Offset, Calls Rapper a 'Rat' After Jail Release

Rapper Lil Tjay was arrested for alleged involvement in a fight that led to Offset being shot in Florida.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 12:22am

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An extreme close-up of shattered glass and metal textures, captured in dramatic high-contrast studio lighting, conceptually representing the aftermath of a violent altercation between rap artists.The violent clash between rappers Lil Tjay and Offset leaves behind a trail of shattered luxury materials, reflecting the ongoing tensions and dangers within the music industry.Hollywood Today

Rapper Lil Tjay was released from jail on Tuesday after being arrested for his alleged involvement in a fight that led to fellow rapper Offset being shot in Florida. Lil Tjay denied fighting Offset and called him a 'rat,' while his lawyer dismissed the accusations as 'false rumors.' Offset was shot Monday night in the valet area of the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino and was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the ongoing tensions and violence within the rap music industry, where feuds between artists can sometimes escalate into physical altercations. The shooting of Offset also comes just a year after the death of Migos member Takeoff, who was Offset's cousin, raising further concerns about the safety and well-being of prominent figures in the hip-hop community.

The details

According to a police affidavit, Lil Tjay was seen on security footage jumping out of his car and pointing out Offset to his friends before leading them over to where Offset was. The two groups then got into a fight until police arrived. During the brawl, one of Lil Tjay's associates allegedly produced a gun and shot Offset, who was taken to the hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

  • On Monday evening around 7:22 p.m., the alleged fight and shooting took place in the valet area of the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Hollywood, Florida.
  • Lil Tjay was arrested by the Seminole Police Department on suspicion of misdemeanor disorderly conduct-affray and held overnight at Broward County Jail on $500 bond.
  • Lil Tjay was released from jail on Tuesday after his arrest.

The players

Lil Tjay

A rapper whose given name is Tione Jayden Merritt, he was arrested and held overnight for his alleged involvement in the fight that led to Offset being shot.

Offset

A rapper and member of the group Migos, he was shot on Monday evening in the valet area of the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel and Casino in Florida and was hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries.

Dawn Florio

Lil Tjay's lawyer, who dismissed the accusations against him as 'false rumors.'

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What they’re saying

“I ain't fight nobody, that's false rumors.”

— Lil Tjay

“Offset a rat.”

— Lil Tjay

“The accusations against Lil Tjay are false rumors.”

— Dawn Florio, Lil Tjay's lawyer

What’s next

The Seminole Police Department is continuing to investigate the incident and may file additional charges against those involved.

The takeaway

The shooting of Offset and the subsequent arrest of Lil Tjay highlight the ongoing tensions and violence within the rap music industry, where feuds between artists can sometimes escalate into physical altercations with serious consequences. This incident raises concerns about the safety and well-being of prominent figures in the hip-hop community.