Rapper DaBaby is facing significant backlash after releasing a new music video for his song Save Me, which features real footage of a tragic event — the murder of Ukrainian refugee Iryna Zarutska on a train in Charlotte, North Carolina, last month.
On August 22, Zarutska was fatally stabbed by a man later identified as Decarlos Brown Jr., who has since been arrested and charged with her murder. The horrifying footage of her final moments was shared by the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS) and sparked global outrage. In the video, Zarutska is seen sitting quietly on the train when Brown suddenly pulls out a knife and stabs her in the neck multiple times in what was described as a random attack.
DaBaby, whose real name is Jonathan Kirk and who grew up in North Carolina, has now released a music video for Save Me, which some have interpreted as a reimagining of the tragedy. Instead of Zarutska being killed, DaBaby portrays himself as a hero who saves her from the attacker. He then escorts the alleged attacker off the train, where security is waiting.
Iryna Zarutska has been named as the young woman who died in the attack last month (Iryna Zarutska/Instagram)
The video has sparked a divided response. While some viewers appreciate DaBaby’s attempt to bring attention to the tragedy, others have labeled it “sick” and “disrespectful.” Critics argue that the rapper turned a real-life tragedy into a “cash grab” moment. One critic wrote, “Turning a tragedy into a cash grab moment is just sick,” while another echoed, “DaBaby is sick bro.” A third commented, “DaBaby turning a real-life tragedy into a self-insert hero arc is… wild.”
Some also questioned why DaBaby didn’t provide financial support to Zarutska’s family instead of making the video. One person wrote, “He could have provided financial support for the woman’s family, but instead did this.”
However, not all feedback has been negative. Some viewers have praised DaBaby for drawing attention to the murder, with one commenter writing, “A lot of people are hating on him for making this, but I’m glad a celebrity finally brought some attention to what happened.” Others expressed admiration for his courage to use his platform to shed light on the tragedy.
UNILAD has reached out to DaBaby’s representatives for comment on the controversy.
