LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Surrounded by friends and fans, DJ Lil Jerry came to his own defense.
"I take all the necessary and required precautions when hosting a party and would never promote violence at my events," Jerry said at a press conference on Friday.
The local DJ was named in a liquor license denial letter sent to Baxter's 942 Bar & Grill on Tuesday. Louisville's Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) cited "repeated acts of violence" as the reason, specifically four incidents connected to DJ Lil Jerry, according to the letter.
"The primary reason for the denial of this license is the repeated acts of violence emanating from events occurring in the vicinity of the licensed premises at 942 Baxter Ave., where the Licensee hired 'DJ Lil Jerry & Friends,'" the letter stated.
Metro Councilwoman Tammy Hawkins (District 1) came in defense for DJ Lil Jerry.
"If this community wants this bar to be shut down, that's one thing," Hawkins said. "But what we ain't going to do is blame the DJ."
Hawkins and the community gathered to defend his character.
"We definitely want ABC to do their due diligence," Hawkins said. "But, we cannot assume violence is connected to a DJ."
Jerry said he couldn't believe the report when he first got word of it.
"I was actually shocked," Jerry said. "I was at home playing my game, when it came to me. I actually didn't believe it until I had seen it for myself."
His longtime friends and supporters came to raise fists in solidarity and try to clear Jerry's name. They say it's a moment of injustice.
"Shock, but not surprised," said Antonio Brown, reacting to the claims in the letter. "I'm praying for change. This is why we came out in 2020, because we're hoping for change. But it's not surprising."
Louisville Metro ABC said the owners of Baxter's 942 are appealing the decision with the Kentucky State ABC.
Baxter's 942 has not responded to repeated requests for comment.
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