Music
British cops denied Drake's offer to talk suicidal man off bridge
by Luke Ottenhof
February 14, 2017
The man was later taken to hospital uninjured.
Toronto’s cultural overlord and basketball enthusiast Drake is currently touring Europe on his “Boy Meets World Tour,” which took him through Manchester, England on Friday night. The rapper’s tour bus apparently became locked in traffic around Manchester’s Mancunian Way, after police closed down a bridge where a man on the wrong side of the barrier appeared ready to jump.
Police reports indicate that a member of Drake’s entourage was sent to speak with an officer. “One officer was approached by a male from a tour van caught up in the traffic congestion, claiming to be part of Drake’s entourage,” reported Inspector Phil Spurgeon.“He offered for Drake to speak to the male on the bridge, if that would help. The offer was declined with thanks.” The man was later taken to hospital uninjured.
Though the gesture seems charitable, it’s hard to give the rapper credit given his history of being dismissive towards mental health. Last year, he was broadly criticized for diminishing and mocking Kid Cudi’s struggles with mental health, specifically depression and suicidal urges, on his track “Two Birds One Stone.” On the diss track, Drake prodded at Cudi’s illness and use of medications: “You were the man on the moon/Now you just go through your phases/You stay xanned and perced up.” So, forgive us for being skeptical of Drake’s sincerity here.
[H/T Pitchfork]
(Photo via Arthur Mola/Associated Press)
