The Ivorian rapper Elow’n, member of the group Kiff No Beat, has been sentenced to a one-year suspension of his driving license, including a three-month firm suspension, after a video was released showing him driving hands-free.
The incident occurred in public and sparked a heated online controversy. This decision was made by the Ivorian justice system this Tuesday, punishing an act deemed a serious violation of road safety rules.
After his sentencing, the artist publicly acknowledged his faults, apologized, and promised to behave more responsibly in the future.
Behavior Deemed Irresponsible and Dangerous
The video that sparked the controversy shows Elow’n at the wheel of his vehicle, driving hands-free, apparently for a social media post.
This behavior, which was widely shared and commented on online, was classified as traffic incivility by the competent authorities. The court therefore imposed a one-year suspension of his driving license, including a firm three-month suspension and nine months suspended.
In other words, any new violation of the traffic code during the probationary period would result in more severe penalties.
The Artist’s Public Mea Culpa
Aware of the outrage caused by this incident, Elow’n spoke out on his social media to express his regret. “I acknowledge the facts that have been reproached to me (…) I take full responsibility for my actions,” he stated.
The artist also expressed his wish to become a role model for the youth again. “This behavior does not reflect the values I want to embody, nor the example I want to set for the youth who follow me,” the rapper admits.
An Implicit Prevention Message
By publicly acknowledging his mistake and calling for responsibility, Elow’n is now positioning himself as an unintentional ambassador for road safety.
His case could set a precedent in terms of regulating the behavior of public figures, especially in a context where social media exposes more instances of misconduct and risky behavior.
This issue raises again the responsibility of influencers and artists in public spaces. With millions of young followers, their attitudes can be seen as models or, on the contrary, bad examples not to follow.
Elow’n’s commitment to be “more responsible” marks a turning point in his public positioning.