Drake Reacts To OVO Festival Tragedy With Official Statement

Drake has broken his silence about the death that occurred at the after party for his OVO festival on August 4^th. As we previously reported, the incident turned fatal when shooting broke out at Toronto’s Muzik nightclub after the “0-100/The Catch Up” rapper’s concert ended. Police reported that shots were fired at 23 year old Duvel Hibbert, and 26 year old innocent bystander, Ariela Navarro-Fenoy also ended up being killed in the crossfire. Drake, who many consider to be Toronto’s favorite son, broke his silence with the following statement.

I am used to the fact that my life and the things I say to my fans are‎ closely watched. It’s tough in situations like this where there’s a tragedy and I consider the advice of my trusted advisors and counsel who worry that anything I might say could be misinterpreted.

However, today I am choosing to follow my heart.

I am plagued and pained by the violence that continues to escalate in our city. I stare into the eyes of so many young people and I wish to see them all shine as bright as they possibly can in this lifetime. I encourage my generation to show as much value and gratitude as you can for the lives we have been gifted.

My deepest condolences go out to the Navarro-Fenoy and Hibbert families for their loss of Ariela and Duvel. Along with them I send my condolences to all of the families that have lost loved ones to the senseless violence that has and continues to occur in our city.

Although Toronto is globally viewed as a major city, at the core we are still a small close-knit community, and it is our public responsibility to ensure the safety and wellbeing of one another. We need each other to further our communities for generations to come.

I pray for better times and better understanding.