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Tyler, the Creator Rep Claims SXSW Riot Was Not A Riot

03/21/2014
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(Radio.com) As reported previously, Tyler, the Creator of the rap crew Odd Future was arrested for allegedly inciting a riot at South by Southwest in Austin, T.X. Now his lawyer, the wonderfully named Perry Q. Minton, is speaking out, claiming that what transpired at Tyler's show last Thursday did not constitute a "riot," per the legal definition.

"At no time during the � concert did Tyler seek to incite or participate in riotous activity as has been reported in the press," Minton wrote in statement reported by the Associated Press. "It is clear from video clips and witness reports that the patrons and fans attending the show on that date were full of positive energy appropriate for this type of event and never exhibited any anger or aggression whatsoever."

Since his rise to notoriety in 2011, Tyler has built a reputation for songs and live performances that are rambunctious, reckless, usually vulgar and at times bigoted, namely with the use of homophobic slurs. Tyler's live performances are more akin to a hardcore-punk concert- with fans often stage diving and/or moshing- than a traditional rap show.

"For law enforcement or the media to describe the rush of fans through the gate and the subsequent benign, boisterous activity as a riot is an unfortunate and inaccurate description of what occurred," Minton continued in the statement.

Minton stops short of apologizing on Tyler's behalf but Minton adds the rapper, whose real name is Tyler Gregory Okonma, "fully appreciates" the need for police to protect citizens and provide security, not intending to "disrupt that mission."

"Tyler is not a violent individual and would never deliberately engage in any activity that would put another person at risk of being hurt," Minton wrote.

Watch the footage of the incident here.

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Copyright Radio.com/CBS Local - Excerpted here with permission.

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