D’Angel denounces beatings of TikTokers Moya and TJ

A passionate D’Angel, who is an advocate for protecting women and children from abuse, says that while she is horrified at the alleged beating of TikToker TJ and his girlfriend Moya, she is hoping that the viral video of the incident will bring about some kind of positive change, even if she has to set up a meeting with the prime minister or the leader of the opposition.

D’Angel, who has spoken with Moya, shared with The Gleaner that the young lady “is holding on … still frightened, still shaken up, still in disbelief”.

The incident – which is being probed by the Independent Commission of Investigations (INDECOM), the body set up to look into “concerning actions” by members of the security forces – unfolded on the weekend at the birthday party for popular dancer, Rebel, at the Mas Camp Car Park in St Andrew. Rebel is managed by artiste manager and entrepreneur Romeich Major, who has been instrumental in the career of Grammy-nominated dancehall star, Shenseea, and currently manages dancehall artiste Ding Dong, among others.

In an update on Wednesday, INDECOM said that it conducted a preliminary assessment of the incident “based on concerns raised of the possible involvement of members of the Jamaica Constabulary Force (JCF)”. The commission reported that initial indications are that “several civilians, as well as at least one off-duty police officer, were involved in the allegation of an assault of two persons” and that “all necessary steps [will be taken] to investigate the role of the identified police officer in the alleged altercation”.

Reports are that during the party, the TikToker got into a heated argument with Romeich, and the end result was that men allegedly associated with him launched a blistering attack on TJ. His girlfriend intervened, and blows were rained down on her too.

“Moya [is] just taking it one day at a time, as I advised her to do ... taking care of her health, taking care of her mentals and her physical. Her health and mentals have to be treated very sensitively. To see how it happened publicly to this young lady was heart-rending. “ D’Angel said.

NATIONAL SPOTLIGHT

The artiste, who has recorded songs on the topic and has, through her foundation, done projects in various schools to assist and uplift students, noted that this beating has shone a spotlight nationally, “and we are literally just fed up”.

“I have been advocating on this topic for a long time, but it wasn’t embraced by the dancehall space. When we had the upsurge of violence in schools … the BB Coke incident, the Cumberland High School incident … I did Pray for Love, that was dedicated to the schoolers. I wanted it to be an anthem in schools.”

D’Angel’s aim was to use music for behavioural change in schools and shared that she made a request for the song to be sent to the Ministry of Education “to somehow get it in the schools in the 14 parishes, but I’m not sure if that was met”.

The mother of a teenage son lamented the lack of airplay for positive, message music, but has pledged to continue doing such songs.

“ We Can Survive was released about seven years ago. It is dedicated to the women of Jamaica. It never got the support same way. But they don’t highlight greatness too much, but I still continue to do greatness and still continue to do what I am led to do by God. I am requesting a meeting with the prime minister or the opposition leader, because so much things can be done. A voice like D’Angel’s needs to be heard,” D’Angel, whose real name is Michelle Downer, said.

Romeich, in taking responsibility for the incident, apologised on Sunday via his Instagram account.

“There is no justification for my actions. I acted out of poor judgement, and I deeply regret the pain and damage I have caused to TJ and Moya, their loved ones, and the community at large. Violence or harm of any kind is never acceptable, and I am ashamed of my role in this incident,” the post said.

“I apologise unreservedly. No one deserves this, and I will do everything in my power to make amends. I am committed to taking responsibility for my actions and ensuring that nothing like this ever happens again,” Romeich’s post concluded.

yasmine.peru@gleanerjm.com