DaBaby Releases Controversial Music Video Tribute

charlotte nc, September 17, 2025

News Summary

Rapper DaBaby has stirred controversy with the release of his music video for ‘Save Me’, which serves as a tribute to Iryna Zarutska, a young Ukrainian refugee who was fatally stabbed on the Charlotte light rail. The video combines security footage of the incident and a reenactment, raising significant discussions about public safety and artistic representation of real-life tragedies. While it highlights a GoFundMe set up for Zarutska’s family, reactions from the community are mixed regarding the appropriateness of using such sensitive topics in art.

Charlotte – On September 16, 2025, rapper Jonathan “DaBaby” Kirk released a controversial music video for his new song “Save Me”. The video serves as a tribute to Iryna Zarutska, a 23-year-old Ukrainian refugee who was fatally stabbed on the Charlotte light rail on August 22.

The music video opens with actual security footage from the Charlotte Area Transit System (CATS), depicting the stabbing incident. A local news reporter’s voice narrates the footage showing Zarutska boarding the light rail and her alleged attacker, DeCarlos Brown Jr., wielding a knife. In the reenactment, DaBaby plays a significant role by sitting on the light rail near actors reenacting the roles of Zarutska and Brown.

The actress portraying Zarutska is dressed in a pizza restaurant uniform and hat, similar to her attire on the night of her death. The actor representing Brown dons a red hooded sweatshirt and mimics the action of using a knife akin to the one Brown allegedly used. The video dramatizes the moment Brown lifts the knife towards Zarutska, but DaBaby’s character intervenes, stopping the attack before it occurs.

The music video also provides a link to a GoFundMe established in Zarutska’s memory, which has raised over $434,500 to support her family. Within hours of its release, the video reached 50,000 views on YouTube, highlighting the public’s interest in the tragic event.

In response to the video, Zarutska’s family, through their attorney, requested that the public refrain from sharing graphic footage related to her death and urged for compassion towards those affected. DeCarlos Brown Jr. was arrested shortly after the stabbing and faces charges of first-degree murder and other related offenses. He has a notable history of mental health issues and was previously deemed not competent to stand trial for unrelated charges.

Despite the poignant message intended behind the music video, CATS reported that DaBaby did not obtain permission to film on the light rail and stated that they were not involved in the production of the video. The final moments of the video include a message about Zarutska’s GoFundMe page and a call for enhanced security measures on Charlotte’s light rail system following her tragic death.

Diverse reactions have emerged regarding DaBaby’s artistic portrayal of such a violent event. The artist has faced similar controversies in the past, including remarks made during the 2021 Rolling Loud music festival that were criticized for being homophobic.

Background Context

The stabbing of Iryna Zarutska has left the Charlotte community grappling with the implications of public safety, particularly regarding the city’s transportation systems. Zarutska had recently relocated to Charlotte as a refugee from Ukraine, and her tragic death has sparked discussions about violence and security in public spaces.

In light of this incident, calls for better protective measures on light rail systems have increased, emphasizing the need for more effective safety protocols to prevent similar occurrences in the future.

Community Response

The release of DaBaby’s music video is seen as a controversial attempt to raise awareness, but it has also prompted conversations about the appropriateness of using real-life tragedies for artistic expression. The community remains divided on the matter, with some supporting the message while others feel uncomfortable with the portrayal of such a sensitive incident.

Conclusion

The violent events surrounding Iryna Zarutska’s death are not only a tragic loss for her family but also a call to action for the Charlotte community to address the pressing issue of safety in public transportation. As discussions continue regarding DaBaby’s music video and its implications, the memory of Zarutska serves as a profound reminder of the need for compassion and change.

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Additional Resources

• WBTV
• Wikipedia: Public Transport Safety
• WSOC TV
• Google Search: Public Safety in Charlotte
• New York Post
• Google Scholar: Charlotte Light Rail Stabbing
• Herald Online
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Safety in Public Transport
• WCCB Charlotte
• Google News: Iryna Zarutska

Author: HERE Charlotte

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