Akuapem Poloo was recently convicted after she pleaded guilty to the publication of obscene material, and two counts of engaging in domestic violence.
The court has deferred her sentencing to today, April 16, 2021, to enable her to undergo a pregnancy test in compliance with the law regarding a woman who has pleaded guilty in court.
In light of this, some celebrities took to social media to support Akuapem Poloo and ask that she be pardoned. Using the hashtag #Freeakuapempoloo, these celebrities expressed the need for Akuapem Poloo to be freed.
And this brings to light the growing trend where celebrities hop on a bandwagon to support someone who clearly is on the wrong side of the law with different excuses and comparisons that makes one wonder if every offender in Ghana should be pardoned.
We have seen this same support in the cases of KKD when he was accused of rape, Stonebwoy when he pulled a gun on Shatta wale, Bulldog’s statement on the President, among others.
I get that Akuapem Poloo apologized for the post but I don’t think that her serving a sentence is the end of her life. In fact, I think she needs to face the law at least once to serve as a deterrent to others.
Also, in other parts of the world, many celebs have always served their sentences or gone to jail after breaking a few rules here and there.
Here are a few American celebrities who have faced punishment for breaking the law.
Lindsay Lohan
In 2010, actress Lindsay Lohan served two weeks of jail time for missing mandatory classes and meetings in the wake of her DUI. She had been in and out of rehab, and in trouble with the law, since 2007.
Chris Brown
Takers actor Chris Brown spent several months in jail in 2014 because of an incident that occurred during his probationary period from his previous assault of then-girlfriend Rihanna. He is currently released and is on probation.
Wesley Snipes
Actor Wesley Snipes was sentenced to 3 years in prison in 2009; his sentence began in 2010 and he was released in 2013. The actor was convicted for failing to file his tax returns from 1994 through 2000. The blade actor went to prison for not filing his own tax returns.
Ja Rule
The Cookout actor Ja Rule spent over two years in prison for unauthorized gun possession. He began his time in 2011 but had his stay extended by an additional 28 months to run concurrently for not paying his taxes.
He was released from state prison and then immediately brought into federal custody after the terms of the original stint were over. He was released for good later that year.
Lil Kim
Juwanna Mann actress Lil’ Kim spent about a year in prison after being convicted on conspiracy and perjury. She lied to a grand jury while testifying on behalf of her friend and manager, Damion Butler, over charges stemming from a shootout in front of a radio station.
Video evidence showed Butler opening the door for Kim, who claimed not to have seen him on the day in question.
50 cent
In 1994, rapper-turned-actor 50 Cent spent six months in a correctional boot camp for multiple charges related to drugs. He was only 16 years old at the time of his incarceration.
T.I
In 2009, the House of Lies actor spent more than six months in prison on federal weapons charges. Rapper T.I. spent an additional three months at a halfway house in Atlanta.
6ix9ine
In November 2018, controversial rapper 6ix9ine was arrested and jailed on racketeering charges with a trial date set for September 2019. Given the option to strike a plea deal with prosecutors, the Brooklyn rapper decided not to take it as he pleaded not guilty.
Mac Miller
Miller and his friends were arrested for possession of marijuana. They had to spend the night in jail in 2011.
Waka Flocka
Waka Flocka Flame was arrested in March 2010 for violating his probation.
Akuapem Poloo possibly facing a jail term or form of punishment is not out of place especially because she did break the law. Everyone needs to allow the system to work properly without interfering.
Rosemond Brown also needs to know that this is not the end of her life.
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By: Daisy Palinwinde Jacobs| Ghana Weekend
