Jake Paul has since issued an apology, clarifying he was not engaged in any ‘looting or vandalism.’ A lawyer tells HollywoodLife EXCLUSIVELY what kind of punishment the YouTube star is likely facing.
Jake Paul, 23, has been slapped with misdemeanor charges following a riot in Scottsdale, Arizona on Sunday, May 31. The YouTube star was present at the Scottsdale Fashion Square mall — which was closed at the time — where hundreds flooded in protest of George Floyd‘s death. Jake, who has specifically being charged with criminal trespass and unlawful assembly according to documents obtained by HollywoodLife, has since confirmed his presence but clarified he was not a participant in the looting and simply “filming” in an effort to “share our experience.”
Police reports from the Scottsdale Police Department detail Jake Paul’s charges. (Scottsdale Police Department)
“To be absolutely clear, neither I nor anyone in our group was engaged in any looting or vandalism,” Jake began his lengthy apology, written in Apple’s Notes, on May 31. The star went on to explain that he was present to show his support for the Black Lives Matter movement, but experienced being tear-gassed as a result. “We spent the day doing our part to peacefully protest one of the most horrific injustices our country has ever seen, which led us being tear-gassed for filming the events and brutality that were unfolding in Arizona. We were gassed and forced to keep moving on foot,” Jake wrote.
Police reports from the Scottsdale Police Department detail Jake Paul’s charges. (Scottsdale Police Department)
The former Disney Channel star added that he was present to document the experience. “We filmed everything we saw in an effort to share our experience and bring more attention to the anger felt in every neighborhood we traveled through; we were strictly documenting, not engaging,” he added, expressing that he doesn’t “condone” looting, however, empathized with what people were feeling. “I understand the anger and frustration that led to the destruction we witnessed and while it’s not the answer, it’s important that people see it and collectively figure out how to move forward in a healthy way,” he poignantly added.
The Scottsdale Police Department has since issued an emailed statement to
