The much talked about music video of the song Respect by 15-year-old schoolboy Lyriii reportedly breached the policy of a Trelawny primary school, where a portion of the video was shot. The music video was reportedly shot at two schools, the primary school in Trelawny and a high school in St. Ann. Lyriii is reported to be a student at St. Ann High School.
Officials at the primary school have denied knowing about the music video. The Jamaica Observer reported that no permission was given by the principal or board members to the individuals who shot the music video inside one of the classrooms. The controversial music video has been garnering criticism for having inappropriate lyrical content and sexual imagery. It has amassed over a million views on YouTube, where it is currently at No. 1 on the trending chart in the music category.
The music video shows Lyriii in his uniform at the schools and another location as he deejays. Some scenes show a large group of students and multiple adults are seen throughout the video. The adults, one of whom is a woman who dresses provocatively and touches Lyriii all over, have garnered backlash for their participation.
A ministry official told the Jamaica Observer, “Some part of the video was shot at a primary school in Trelawny. However, no permission was granted by the board or the principal. But the matter is with the board. The Ministry of Education already carried out an investigation of the matter. Technically, there is a breach in the use of the )(primary) school property.”
The music video was reportedly shot at the primary school on a weekend when no classes were being held. The scenes of him dancing with his students behind him show students from his school in St. Ann. It is unclear if these scenes were shot while school was in session. It is also unclear if the St. Ann school gave permission for the music video to be shot there.
The music video has also been reported to the Child Protection and Family Services Agency (CPFSA) because it “falls under the Sexual Offences or the Child Diversion Act,” based on the Jamaica Observer report.