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Dancehall entertainer Popcaan says his lawyer Bert Samuels is in full control of the matter relating to charges laid against him following the staging of this annual event Unruly Fest last month.

"I leave all these matters in the hands of my able lawyer," said Samuels, who was reading a text from the entertainer. Popcaan is scheduled to attend court on January 10. On Thursday, the police's Corporate Communications Unit confirmed that Popcaan, whose given name is Andrae Sutherland, had been slapped with several charges stemming from the December 22 incident. He has been charged with the use of indecent language, disorderly conduct, using abusive and calumnious language in a public space, issuing a threat to police officers, and breaches of the Noise Abatement Act. Samuels expressed his dissatisfaction with the situation regarding his client.

"It is very unfortunate that a patriotic reggae artiste that is committed to the development of St Thomas, who could've held his show at the National Stadium to its capacity, has found himself slapped with these charges. This incident begs the question, when will Brand Jamaica, reggae music, with its hard-working players, of which Popcaan tops that list, will be able to have a space in every parish where they can carry out their entertainment and artistic work free and fair of breaches of Noise Abatement [Act] and curtailment of hours of enjoyment? Maybe with elections around the corner, someone will step forward on the side of the people and create these spaces," Samuels told THE WEEKEND STAR.

"We are ready to represent the son of St Thomas, a parish rich with resistance but impoverished by neglect," he added.

The incidents occurred after Popcaan became furious on stage and spewed expletives at police officers who instructed him to end Unruly Fest before - as alleged by Popcaan - the agreed time. The entertainer, along with some of his colleagues, proceeded to sing a few more songs before the show was abruptly ended by the lawmen.

Popcaan later took to his Instagram page to show what appeared to be an agreement, though not signed, between himself and the St Thomas Police Division, stating the number of hours he paid for for the event to be hosted.

The 2023 edition of Unruly Fest featured performances from local talent such as Skillibeng, Jahshii, Chronic Law, Protoje, Govana and Sean Paul. Surprise act rapper Quavo also graced the stage.