After spending months in jail for violating probation, rapper Meek Mill could be released as soon as today after the Pennsylvania Supreme Court ordered that he be granted bail.
According to WTFX-TV in Philadelphia, the Supreme Court issued the order to the Court of Common Pleas in Philadelphia County to offer the rapper bail. WPVI-TV in Philadelphia also confirmed that Meek Mill, whose real name is Robert Williams, would be released.
"I’d like to thank God, my family, and all my public advocates for their love, support and encouragement during this difficult time," the rapper wrote on Twitter. "While the past five months have been a nightmare, the prayers, visits, calls, letters and rallies have helped me stay positive."
"To the Philly District Attorney’s office, I’m grateful for your commitment to justice. I understand that many people of color across the country don’t have that luxury and I plan to use my platform to shine a light on those issues."
"In the meantime, I plan to work closely with my legal team to overturn this unwarranted conviction and look forward to reuniting with my family and resuming my music career."
I’d like to thank God, my family, and all my public advocates for their love, support and encouragement during this difficult time. While the past five months have been a nightmare, the prayers, visits, calls, letters and rallies have helped me stay positive.
— Meek Mill (@MeekMill) April 24, 2018
To the Philly District Attorney’s office, I’m grateful for your commitment to justice. I understand that many people of color across the country don’t have that luxury and I plan to use my platform to shine a light on those issues.
— Meek Mill (@MeekMill) April 24, 2018
In the meantime, I plan to work closely with my legal team to overturn this unwarranted conviction and look forward to reuniting with my family and resuming my music career.
— Meek Mill (@MeekMill) April 24, 2018
Williams was originally arrested in 2007 when he was 19 and later convicted on gun and drug charges. He spent time in jail and was later released and placed on probation. Since that time, the rapper has been cited for violating parole for testing positive for drug use and leaving the county for concert appearances.
Rappers, athletes and other entertainers have continually called for Meek Mill's release since he was sent to jail in 2009. As a Philadelphia native, the NFL's Eagles often played his music throughout their Super Bowl run.
Earlier this month, New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft visited the rapper in prison, telling reporters that "I know some of our players in the NFL have talked about this, and I see firsthand that it’s just wrong.”
Comedian Kevin Hart visited Meek Mill in jail hours before his release.
More on this as it develops.
