NYPD Responds To Filming Guests At Drake's Apollo Theater Show

BY Erika Marie 1.8K Views
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Drake Live From The Apollo Theater For SiriusXM And Sound 42
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 21: Atmosphere at Drake Live from Apollo at The Apollo Theater on January 21, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for SiriusXM)
They were accused of attempting to use facial recognition software, but a spokesperson laid rumors to rest.

New York City residents descended on the Apollo Theater for two unforgettable evenings watching Drake perform. The OVO icon also brought out a few friends to help him celebrate his appearances, including Dipset and 21 Savage. However, it was the New York Police Department who stole the show.

A viral video showed officers outside the venue filming attendees as they exited. Immediately, it was circulated that the officers were using face recognition software to apprehend any potential suspects of crimes.

Read More: Drake Brings Out Dipset & 21 Savage At Apollo Theater

The news caused a firestorm of backlash as people once again questioned the NYPD's methods. Mayor Eric Adams was also at the concert and was seen with Jim Jones in the rapper's dressing room backstage.

Additionally, to quell any misconceptions about their presence at Drake's show, the Office of the Deputy Commissioner, Public Information issued a statement to Consequence.

“The officer depicted in the video is a Community Affairs officer involved with the 28th Precinct’s social media team," they said. "The officer was taking video for an upcoming Twitter post that will highlight local community events. The video will not be utilized for any other reason.”

Drake Live From The Apollo Theater For SiriusXM And Sound 42
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 21: Drake performs on stage at The Apollo Theater on January 21, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for SiriusXM)
Read More: The Apollo Theater Issues Statement After Fan Falls From Balcony During Drake Show

Further, a reporter for the NY Daily News also shared comments allegedly made by Mayor Adams. When asked about the controversy, Adams reportedly said, "Twitter is not real."

Further, Of those who criticized the NYPD filming citizens at the concert, Adams stated, "Let them keep complaining."

Check out a few more images from the Apollo Theater event below.

Drake Live From The Apollo Theater For SiriusXM And Sound 42
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 21: Atmosphere at Drake Live from Apollo at The Apollo Theater on January 21, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Cindy Ord/Getty Images for SiriusXM)
Drake Live From The Apollo Theater For SiriusXM And Sound 42
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 21: Drake and The Diplomats aka Dipset perform on stage during Drake Live From The Apollo Theater for SiriusXM and Sound 42 at The Apollo Theater on January 21, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for SiriusXM)
Drake Live From The Apollo Theater For SiriusXM And Sound 42
NEW YORK, NEW YORK - JANUARY 21: Drake and 21 Savage performs on stage at The Apollo Theater on January 21, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for SiriusXM)

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About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.