Marcus Rashford has issued a public statement after being informed that a tabloid newspaper intends to publish photos of him alongside a controversial rapper. The Manchester United forward, 27, took to social media on Thursday night to clarify the situation, stating he had no knowledge of the photo or the individual involved.
The tabloid report allegedly links Rashford to a rapper known as TEN, who has been revealed as Jake Fahri, the convicted killer of schoolboy Jimmy Mizen in 2008. Fahri, who was released from prison in June 2023 after serving 14 years of a life sentence, has since appeared as a balaclava-clad drill rapper whose lyrics boast about violent acts.
Rashford addressed the issue in an Instagram story, writing:
“Been contacted today by a tabloid informing me that they plan to publish a photo of me with a rapper apparently taken over a year ago. I want to make it clear I have never seen this photo, I do not know this person, and I am not friends with him.
“Like most footballers, if someone asks for a photo with me, I will never refuse, but I am obviously not able to do a background check on every individual that asks me for a photo.
“Can I please urge the tabloids, rather than focusing on me, to use their platforms to help raise positive awareness about the many charities and individuals working daily throughout the UK to tackle knife crime and prevent more families from suffering tragic loss. My deepest sympathy goes to the family of Jimmy Mizen.”
The controversy has drawn attention to TEN’s lyrics, which include graphic descriptions of violence. In one song, he raps: “Stuck it on a man and watched him melt like Ben and Jerry’s. Sharpen up my blade I’ve got to keep those necessary.” The Ministry of Justice has since launched an investigation into Fahri’s activities, condemning any content that may glorify violence or cause distress to victims.
The BBC, which has previously aired TEN’s music on Radio 1Xtra, released a statement emphasizing their strict editorial guidelines: “BBC 1Xtra does not glamourize violence, and this individual does not feature on any playlists.”
Rashford’s statement highlights his commitment to addressing social issues, urging a focus on tackling knife crime rather than sensationalized tabloid stories.
