Dancehall artiste Lisa Hyper can breathe a sigh of relief now that the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court has cancelled the bench warrant that was out for her arrest. This warrant was previously issued because she missed a court date related to her disorderly conduct charge.
Lisa, born Felicia Gooden, was scheduled to be in court on February 25, which was when her case was first called. However, she was absent, prompting the court to issue a warrant for her arrest. Thursday’s proceedings saw her attorney, Petreta Gabbidon, presenting valid documentation explaining the absence, which the court accepted.
“The court was satisfied, and the warrant was vacated,” Gabbidon confirmed to the Jamaica Observer. The news outlet said that Gabbidon expressed confidence in Jamaica’s justice system and remains optimistic about his client’s chances in court.
“We are awaiting disclosure by the court on April 25, 2025,” Gabbidon said, adding that the Soul Cry singer is in good spirits and looking forward to addressing the matter. The disorderly conduct charge stems from an incident at Norman Manley International Airport earlier this year. Initial reports detailed that Lisa Hyper was arrested for allegedly assaulting an airport employee during a heated exchange.
During most of the chaotic scene, Lisa Hyper was streaming live on TikTok. Screen recordings of the live session quickly circulated, reportedly showing the entertainer using abusive language and verbally attacking police officers and the airport staff. The incident triggered great concern for her health. The entertainer is known to have faced challenges with mental issues and reportedly experienced multiple manic episodes before the airport incident.
Lisa Hyper rose to fame as a key figure in Vybz Kartel’s Portmore Empire, once holding the title of the “First Lady of Gaza”. Her catalogue includes popular tracks such as Money Don’t Sleep, Nuh Frighten, and Sculpture. In recent years, she has been increasingly candid about her personal challenges, including through her introspective single Soul Cry, where she addresses her battle with mental illness.
Despite ongoing legal matters, the entertainer remains active in the music and entertainment scene. She’s set to launch her 21 Bad Gyal Fridays, a weekly event series beginning this Friday at 21-23 Holborn Avenue in New Kingston.