Grime music legend Wiley has been charged with assault and burglary of a “friend”, The Guardianreports.
Richard Kylea Cowie Jr, aka Wiley, allegedly broke into kickboxer Ali Jacko’s home in East London on August 28. Jacko is said to have been a friend of the 42-year-old MC before the incident, and sustained “a minor injury”.
According to The Metropolitan Police, Cowie was charged with assault and burglary of a dwelling with intent to cause damage. “It was alleged that a man had entered the flat, assaulted the occupant and caused criminal damage to property,” the Met has said. “The man was arrested and taken into custody. The occupant, an adult male, sustained a minor injury. London ambulance service were not required.”
Back in 2018, Cowie was honoured with an MBE at the new year honours for his services and impact on the UK music industry. Throughout Wiley’s career, he’s released 14 albums, a sea of mixtapes and obtained numerous platinum singles like 2009’s electro-grime hit “Wearing My Rolex”, 2012’s “Heatwave”, and most recently 2019’s “Boasty” with Stefflon Don, Sean Paul and Idris Elba.
The Bow native is often credited for kicking off the grime revolution, breaking many beloved artists into the mainstream and gracing crews such as garage-rap outfit Pay As U Go and grime crew Roll Deep.
Cowie is expected to appear at Thames Magistrates Court on September 13.
