Atlanta Civil Rights attorney Gerald Griggs and music mogul Jermaine Dupri had choice words for each other as the two were at odds about the platinum producer’s support of the festivities surrounding the Super Bowl which will be in held in Atlanta on February 3rd.
Dupri was tapped by Atlanta’s Host Committee to be the music director for all the pre-show performances which didn’t sit well with the attorney as well as many other.
Attorney Gerald Griggs outside Mercedes Benz stadium during a September protest
Attorney Griggs for his part decided to speak out against Dupri’s involvement via instagram posting the following:
According to Attorney Griggs, he reached out to the Grammy winning producer to set up a meeting with some of the Atlanta family members who have lost loved ones due to police killings and to remind him that Colin Kaepernick started his protest against the NFL for the same reason. Attorney Griggs stated to us the following:
“We must stand up for the community and the families that have been effected by police brutality both locally and nationally. Artists must understand that they are accountable to the communities they say they speak for. Jermaine needs to meet with the families directly prior to any performances associated with Super Bowl. I think they will change his mind on his associations with a Super Bowl event.” #NFLBoycott
Activists and family members of those slain by police kneel in solidarity at the September protest rally
In another Instagram post Jermaine Dupri responded:
The last time Atlanta hosted the Super Bowl was January 30, 2000 however the climate now is a lot different.
Yesterday, rapper Travis Scott signed on to perform alongside Maroon 5 and that decision was met with mixed feelings as well.
Two sources also tell Variety that Jay-Z — who has been highly critical of the NFL over its treatment of former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick — is attempting to talk Scott out of performing, although reps either declined comment or could not immediately be reached.
Rapper Yung Joc chimed in on the controversy as well and called into TMZ in support of Travis Scott’s decision to perform:
According to Attorney Griggs, he reached out to the Grammy winning producer to set up a meeting with some of the Atlanta family members who have lost loved ones due to police killings and to remind him that Colin Kaepernick started his protest against the NFL for the same reason. Attorney Griggs stated to us the following:
