Meek Mill isn’t just free — he’s free to hang out at the White House. The Philadelphia rapper was scheduled to appear at President Trump’s Prison Reform Summit on Friday, according to TMZ. However, he decided against it after a late night conversation with Jay-Z, who helped convince Meek to stay home. (An update notes the decision was made after Meek talked to “several people.”) “I was originally scheduled to be part of a panel on Prison Reform at the White House to help shed light on the issues within the system,” Meek said in a statement. “Unfortunately, the focus turned to the President and Myself which concerned me that it might take away from creating a positive result from today’s discussions.”
The planned appearance, in part, has been enabled by his connections: One of Meek’s most visible supporters is Robert Kraft, who is the owner of the Patriots and a known Trump supporter. Kraft has publicly advocated for Mill’s release, going as far to call him an “amazing young man,” all of which goes against how millionaires are supposed to feel about street rappers. (They allegedly know each other through Michael Rubin, a co-owner of the Philadelphia 76ers.) The connections to Kraft have led to rumors that Meek has sought a presidential pardon; he’s at least on the White House’s radar. (Also, Ivanka Trump followed him on Twitter this morning.)
IvankaTrump appears to be following @MeekMill. (This bot cannot tell if it was a new follow or the result of the account being reactivated.)
— Trump Alert (@TrumpsAlert) May 18, 2018
Meek isn’t lacking for attention from the other side. Aside from Jay Z, Al Sharpton paid Mill a visit in prison, and stated that Meek represents “...tens of thousands around the country that have been victimized by abusive probationary and parole systems.” He has received support from countless public figures such as Philadelphia mayor Jim Kenney (a Democrat), Kevin Hart, and even former rival Drake. Somehow, Meek Mill has become the crown jewel of prison reform, a champion for all those wrongly treated by the American justice system.
It’s beneficial for all these people to use Meek Mill to promote their own personal agendas: His voice could make people think twice about calling the Republicans racist, and further emphasize the anti-prison credentials of left-leaning public figures. His political and social value stems from his celebrity, making him a hot commodity even as he represents something important. Not so long ago, Meek Mill was feuding with Drake and being messy over Nicki Minaj. Now, he’s turning down invitations to the White House. Celebrity is a mercurial, undoubtedly rewarding thing.
