Busta Rhymes was investigated for almost 12 hours by U.K. immigration officers due to his 'unresolved convictions' before his scheduled performance in the country.
- Sep 26, 2008
AceShowbiz - Busta Rhymes has been detained at London City airport by immigration officials due to "unresolved convictions in the U.S." for carrying weapons and assault. Busta is even considered to be put on a flight to Amsterdam by the official. However, his lawyer stops them by securing an injunction and pleading for judicial review.
The rapper previously released a statement saying that he would perform a charity gig in the U.K. "I came to the UK to perform for all of the Orange RockCorps volunteers who put in time in their community," he said. "and that's what I'm going to do ... hopefully I will be able to put on an incredible show for the kids tomorrow."
After kept for about 11 hours in a small room with five armed police officers, Busta is then released. "A High Court judge ordered his release this evening. He has been allowed entry into the U.K. having been detained all day at London City Airport," says a spokeswoman for the concert.
Though he has gained entry to the country, it is unclear whether he will be able to perform at the show or not. A source says that Ludacris has been asked to replace Busta in case he lose at the hearing which will likely take place on Friday afternoon, September 26.
Commenting on the beyond-anticipation incident, RockCorps co-founder, Stephen Greene says that he is "shocked at the sequence of events and the treatment of Busta." He, furthermore, states, "He has the necessary work-permit and has been in the country twice already this year, so we're a little puzzled that a question mark is now being placed over his ability to enter the country to perform to volunteers." A representative from the U.K. border agency defends the arresting act, claiming that they "are selective about who they let in."
