Fact Check: The guy who wrote the watch me whip song killed someone

The Claim: "The guy who wrote the watch me whip song killed someone"

Introduction

The claim in question states that Silento, the rapper known for his viral hit "Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)," has been charged with murder. Specifically, it refers to the allegation that he killed his cousin, Frederick Rooks. This claim has been reported by multiple news outlets, raising questions about the circumstances surrounding the incident and the credibility of the sources reporting it.

What We Know

1. Incident Details: Silento, whose real name is Ricky Hawk, was arrested on February 1, 2021, after his cousin, Frederick Rooks, was found shot dead on January 21, 2021, in DeKalb County, Georgia. The police confirmed that Hawk was charged with murder in connection with this incident 1345.

2. Charges: Following his arrest, Silento was indicted on multiple charges, including malice murder and felony murder. These charges indicate that he is accused of intentionally killing his cousin 267.

3. Background of the Artist: Silento gained fame in 2015 with his hit song "Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)," which became a viral sensation and peaked at No. 3 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The song's music video has garnered nearly 1.8 billion views on YouTube 810.

4. Legal Proceedings: As of August 2021, Silento was indicted by a grand jury, which suggests that there was sufficient evidence to proceed with the case 67.

Analysis

The sources reporting on Silento's arrest and charges vary in their reliability and potential biases:

• Mainstream News Outlets: Sources like BBC, AP News, and The New York Times provide comprehensive coverage of the incident, including details about the arrest and charges. These outlets are generally considered reliable due to their established journalistic standards and editorial oversight 134. However, they may still have biases based on their regional focus or audience.

• Wikipedia: The Wikipedia entry for Silento provides a summary of the events but should be approached with caution. While it can be a good starting point for information, Wikipedia articles can be edited by anyone and may not always reflect the most current or accurate information 2.

• Entertainment News Sources: Outlets like Rolling Stone and CNN also reported on the incident, often focusing on the implications for Silento's career and public image. These sources are generally reliable but may emphasize sensational aspects of the story to attract readership 57.

• Potential Conflicts of Interest: Some sources, particularly those focusing on entertainment news, may have a vested interest in sensationalizing the story for clicks and views, which could lead to biased reporting.

Methodology and Evidence

The evidence for the claim primarily comes from law enforcement statements and legal documents related to the charges against Silento. However, the details of the investigation, including witness statements or forensic evidence, have not been publicly disclosed, which limits the transparency of the claims being made.

Additional information that would be helpful includes:

• Details of the evidence presented to the grand jury.
• Statements from Silento's legal representatives or family members.
• Context regarding the relationship between Silento and his cousin, which could provide insight into the motive, if any.

Conclusion

Verdict: True

The claim that Silento, the rapper known for "Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)," has been charged with murder is substantiated by multiple reliable sources. Silento was arrested and charged with the murder of his cousin, Frederick Rooks, following an incident that occurred in January 2021. The charges against him, including malice murder and felony murder, indicate serious allegations supported by law enforcement statements and legal proceedings.

However, it is important to acknowledge that while the charges exist, the full details of the evidence and circumstances surrounding the case have not been publicly disclosed, which introduces a degree of uncertainty. The legal process is ongoing, and the outcome remains to be seen. Readers should remain aware that the legal system operates on the principle of "innocent until proven guilty," and further developments may alter the context of this claim.

As always, it is crucial for readers to critically evaluate information and consider multiple perspectives, especially in cases involving serious allegations and ongoing legal matters.

Sources

1. Silento arrested: Watch Me rapper charged with murdering his cousin - BBC. Link
2. Silentó - Wikipedia. Link
3. Police: Rapper Silento charged with murder in shooting death - AP News. Link
4. Silentó, Rapper Behind Viral 2015 Hit, Is Charged With ... - The New York Times. Link
5. Silentó, the rapper best known for 'Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae),' is ... - CNN. Link
6. Rapper Silento, 23, who sang Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae) indicted for ... - The Sun. Link
7. 'Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)' Rapper Silento Charged With ... - Rolling Stone. Link
8. "Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)" Rapper Silento Charged With Murder - Deadline. Link
9. 'Watch Me Whip:Nae Nae' Rapper Silento Arrested For ... - YouTube. Link
10. "Watch Me (Whip/Nae Nae)" Rapper Silento Charged With Murder Of Cousin ... - Yahoo. Link