Rapper Wiz Khalifa has been sentenced to nine months in prison by a Romanian court in connection with a drug-related case linked to his appearance at a music festival last year. The ruling comes months after the incident sparked international attention due to the artist’s high public profile.
The Grammy-nominated rapper, whose real name is Cameron Jibril Thomaz, was convicted of possessing cannabis for personal use without legal permission. Authorities stated that the offence occurred in July 2024 during the popular “Beach, Please!” festival held in Costinești, a well-known seaside resort in Romania. According to investigators, Khalifa was found with more than 18 grams of cannabis and was seen consuming it while performing on stage.
Following the incident, the rapper addressed the controversy publicly, explaining that he did not intend to show disrespect toward Romania or its laws. He thanked local officials for their conduct at the time and expressed regret over the misunderstanding caused by his actions during the performance.
The Constanța Court of Appeal, while announcing the sentence, emphasized that the decision was meant to act as a deterrent. The court highlighted concerns over the influence celebrities have on young audiences, stating that public figures must be held accountable when their behavior could be perceived as encouraging illegal activity.
Earlier in the case, a lower court had issued only a financial penalty, imposing a fine rather than jail time. However, prosecutors challenged that ruling, arguing that the seriousness of the offence and its public nature warranted a harsher punishment. The appeal was accepted, leading to the nine-month prison sentence.
As Wiz Khalifa is a citizen of the United States, questions remain over how the sentence will be enforced. Romanian authorities have not yet clarified whether an extradition request will be pursued or if alternative legal measures may apply. The case continues to draw attention as it highlights the strict enforcement of drug laws in Romania, regardless of international celebrity status.
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