In a ruling that has stunned the global music community, a Romanian court has sentenced American rapper Wiz Khalifa to nine months in prison after he was found guilty of smoking cannabis during a live performance in Bucharest earlier this year.
The incident occurred at the Summer Beats Festival in July, where Khalifa lit up a joint mid-song, drawing cheers from the crowd but immediate concern from local authorities.
Romania maintains strict drug laws, and cannabis remains illegal for recreational use.
Prosecutors argued that Khalifa’s actions amounted to “public incitement to drug use,” citing the influence he holds over thousands of young fans.
The court agreed, handing down a custodial sentence despite defense pleas that the act was symbolic and part of his artistic expression.
Khalifa’s legal team announced plans to appeal, calling the verdict “disproportionate and culturally tone-deaf.” They emphasized that the rapper had no prior criminal record in Romania and that the performance was intended to promote “freedom of expression.”
The ruling has sparked debate across Europe, with critics accusing Romania of overreach and supporters insisting the country is right to uphold its laws.
Fans have taken to social media under the hashtag #FreeWiz, demanding his release and questioning whether international artists will reconsider performing in Romania.
If the appeal fails, Khalifa could serve his sentence in a Romanian correctional facility, though officials have hinted at the possibility of a suspended term.
