Rapper denies any fight as feud escalates after Florida incident

Lil Tjay Speaks Out Following Jail Release

April 08, 2026 – Lil Tjay is making headlines after speaking publicly for the first time following his release from jail in connection with the recent Florida incident involving fellow rapper Offset. The rapper, whose real name is Tione Merritt, wasted no time addressing the growing speculation surrounding his alleged involvement in the altercation that reportedly occurred before Offset was shot outside a Florida casino.

After posting bond and leaving custody, Lil Tjay directly addressed reporters and cameras waiting outside, firmly denying that he physically fought Offset at any point during the incident. His release comes after he was arrested on misdemeanor disorderly conduct-related charges connected to the confrontation.

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Lil Tjay Denies Fighting Offset

During his remarks after leaving jail, Lil Tjay strongly rejected claims that he was involved in any physical altercation with Offset before the shooting occurred. He insisted that reports suggesting the two rappers fought were false and exaggerated, dismissing the allegations entirely.

“I didn’t do no damn fighting,” Tjay reportedly stated while addressing media outside the jail. His comments were part of a broader attempt to separate himself from narratives linking him directly to the violent escalation that left Offset injured.

Tjay also pushed back against suggestions that Offset had gotten the better of him physically, making it clear that he believes no such confrontation took place. His denial appears aimed at correcting public perception as online speculation continues to swirl.

Calling Offset a “Rat”

Beyond denying a fight, Lil Tjay escalated the situation by publicly calling Offset a “rat,” accusing the former Migos star of allegedly cooperating with authorities after the shooting. Tjay’s remarks suggest he believes Offset made statements to police implicating him in the aftermath of the incident.

While Tjay did not provide evidence for the accusation, the insult immediately intensified the drama between the two rappers and fueled speculation that tensions between them are now worse than ever.

In hip-hop culture, labeling someone a “rat” or “snitch” carries serious weight, making Tjay’s accusation especially notable. His public comments indicate that this situation may have escalated beyond a one-time altercation into a deeper personal feud.

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Background on the Florida Incident

The controversy stems from a shooting outside the Seminole Hard Rock Hotel & Casino in Hollywood, Florida, where Offset was shot and hospitalized with non-life-threatening injuries. Authorities said the shooting followed an altercation outside the venue, though the exact sequence of events remains under investigation.

Police arrested Lil Tjay at the scene, though he has not been charged with actually shooting Offset. Instead, his arrest was tied to allegations of disorderly conduct connected to the altercation.

His legal team has maintained from the start that he had no involvement in the shooting itself.

Tensions Between Lil Tjay and Offset

This latest controversy adds another chapter to the already strained relationship between Lil Tjay and Offset. The two rappers have reportedly been at odds for over a year, with previous social media exchanges and public insults fueling rumors of ongoing animosity.

Their feud first gained wider attention when Tjay publicly accused Offset of financial issues and claimed the rapper owed him money. Since then, the relationship between the two has appeared increasingly hostile, making this recent incident feel like the culmination of long-building tensions.

Though neither artist has fully detailed the origins of their issues, the hostility between them has clearly moved beyond casual online back-and-forth.

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Offset’s Condition Following Shooting

Despite the alarming nature of the incident, Offset’s injuries were confirmed to be non-life-threatening. Representatives for the rapper stated he is in stable condition and recovering after being hospitalized following the shooting.

Photos and videos later surfaced showing Offset outside the hospital, suggesting he is on the road to recovery even as the investigation remains active.

His condition has reassured fans, many of whom were deeply concerned after initial reports of the shooting first broke.

Hip-Hop Community Reacts

News of the incident—and Lil Tjay’s explosive comments afterward—has sparked widespread conversation across social media. Fans and commentators have debated everything from who may be at fault to whether the feud between the rappers will continue escalating publicly.

Some fans have sided with Tjay, praising him for speaking his mind and denying involvement. Others have criticized him for escalating tensions further by publicly insulting Offset while the investigation remains ongoing.

As with many high-profile rap feuds, the public response has become nearly as intense as the situation itself.

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Legal Questions Remain

Although Lil Tjay has denied wrongdoing, the investigation is still ongoing, and authorities have not released all details regarding what led to the shooting. Questions remain about who fired the weapon, what triggered the altercation, and whether further charges could follow.

Given the seriousness of the incident, it is possible more developments may emerge in the coming days as investigators continue gathering witness statements and reviewing evidence.

Final Thoughts

Lil Tjay’s first public comments after leaving jail have only intensified interest in the Florida shooting involving Offset. By denying any fight took place and accusing Offset of being a “rat,” Tjay has added a new layer of tension to an already volatile situation.

As police continue investigating what happened outside the Florida casino, the public feud between the two rappers appears far from over. Whether this remains a war of words or escalates further will likely depend on what new facts emerge in the days ahead.

FAQs

Q1: Why was Lil Tjay arrested?
Lil Tjay was arrested on disorderly conduct-related charges connected to the altercation surrounding Offset’s shooting.

Q2: Did Lil Tjay admit fighting Offset?
No, he denied fighting Offset and said, “I didn’t do no damn fighting.”

Q3: Why did Lil Tjay call Offset a rat?
He accused Offset of allegedly cooperating with police after the shooting.

Q4: Was Lil Tjay charged with shooting Offset?
No, as of now he has not been charged with the shooting itself.

Q5: How is Offset doing now?
Offset is reportedly stable and recovering after suffering non-life-threatening injuries.