Marcus Rashford speaks out as tabloid smear campaign fails

Marcus Rashford has issued a public statement after being informed that a tabloid intends to publish photos of him with a controversial rapper. The Manchester United striker, 27, took to social media on Thursday night to clarify the situation, stating that he had no knowledge of the photo or the person involved.

The tabloid report allegedly links Rashford to a rapper known as TEN, who has been revealed as Jake Fahri, the convicted murderer of schoolboy Jimmy Mizen in 2008. Fahri, who was released from prison in June 2023 after serving 14 years of a life sentence He has since appeared as a balaclava-clad rapper whose lyrics boast of violent acts.

Rashford addressed the issue in an Instagram story, writing:

“I was 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 that I have never seen this photo, I do not know this person and I am not his friend.

“Like most footballers, if someone asks me for a photo, I will never refuse, but obviously I can’t do a background check on every person who asks me for a photo.

“Can I 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 across the UK to tackle knife crime and prevent more families suffer tragic losses? My deepest condolences 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: “I hit it on a man and watched him melt like Ben and Jerry. Sharpen my sword. I have to keep the necessary ones.” The Ministry of Justice has since launched an investigation into Fahri’s activities, condemning any content that could glorify violence or cause distress to victims.

The BBC, which previously broadcast TEN’s music on Radio 1Xtra, issued a statement emphasizing its strict editorial guidelines: “BBC 1Xtra does not glamorize violence and this individual does not appear on any playlists.”

Rashford’s statement highlights his commitment to tackling social issues, urging a focus on tackling knife crime rather than sensational tabloid stories.