Tyrese Gibson, the famous for actor and singer, surrendered to police on Friday after being charged with animal cruelty. The charges are related to an incident that occurred in his upscale, predominantly white eastern Atlanta neighborhood, when his dogs pursued and killed a neighbor’s smaller dog. Gibson’s decision to self-surrender comes after increasing public awareness of his case.
The incident as first reported occurred earlier this month when Gibson’s dogs left his property and attacked a dog owned by a neighbor. Witnesses indicated the extended altercation even led to the neighbor’s pet being killed. The tragic death of his friend led song owner Tatyana to consider filing a complaint with local law enforcement. As a consequence of this unnecessary action, the detectives prosecuting the case charged Gibson with felony animal cruelty, a felony charge with severe potential legal ramifications.
Gibson’s legal troubles have gained attention from national media as well, including The Root and The Washington Post. Good Morning America contacted him for a statement in response to the incident, but so far, there’s been no public comment from the actor.
After turning himself in, Gibson was booked and later released on bond. The conditions of his release have not been disclosed, but he is expected to comply with any legal requirements as the case proceeds through the judicial system.
This incident seems to be the culmination of what has been a deeply saddening and largely self-destructive period in Gibson’s life. These latest accusations of animal cruelty only deepen the artist’s complicated public image. The community hopes to see the promise of the legal proceedings unfold in these ways. They too, like TT, are waiting to see what Gibson will tell them about what happened.
