Benzino Speaks Out After Shooting as Nephew Claims Self Defense (VIDEO)
"Love & Hip Hop Atlanta" star Benzino spoke out after being shot by his nephew at his mother's funeral on Saturday.
The VH1 star, born Raymond Scott, 48, was shot by his nephew Gai Scott as the funeral procession moved towards St. Peter's Church in Plymouth, Mass. Benzino's late mother Mary Scott passed away on March 20.
"My mother was good, my mother wasn't about this," Benzino told Boston's FOX 25 News in an interview from his South Shore Hospital bed.
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"Once I started getting to the beginning of the procession, gun shots, boom, boom, boom," he continued. "I took a deep breath just to see if it was in my chest, but it wasn't. I didn't feel no pain, so I maneuvered the car jumped out the car and I'm running down the middle of the street to all the other cars in the procession throwing my hands up like I need help."
A relative is said to have picked up the rapper, who was shot in the arm, before driving him to a nearby police station followed by the hospital. He suffered non-fatal injuries and Scott, 36, was arrested and charged with armed assault with intent to murder, according to WHDH.
It is unclear what exactly prompted the shooting, however, insiders claim ongoing disputes about money may have reached breaking point.
"Blood doesn't mean it's love," Benzino said.
Scott reportedly pleaded "not guilty" to the charges in Plymouth District Court on Monday and insisted that he was forced to open fire in self-defense. He is currently being held without bail pending a hearing on Wednesday.
"Feel much better, GOD IS REAL @luvheraltheaheart is my SOULMATE....... MY MOTHER TOUCHED ME, IM CERTAIN," Benzino wrote to his 180,000 Instagram followers alongside a photo taken from his hospital bed.
The rapper, who is the former owner of hip-hop magazine The Source, has been overwhelmed with well wishes from many including some of his VH1 costars. Music producer Steven "Stevie J" Jordan paid a recent hospital visit and Benzino's former love interest Karlie Redd sent support via Instagram.
"Benzino, my prayers are with you and your family during this difficult time. Praying for your speedy recovery. God Bless! @iambenzino," Redd wrote.
The drama will likely be featured on the upcoming third season of "Love & Hip Hop Atlanta," which premieres in May.
"Then I wake up to this...I JUST WANNA THANK EVERYBODY WHO PRAYED AND SENT THEIR SINCERE CONCERNS FOR ME AND MY MOM, SHE WAS FINALLY LAID TO REST AMONGST ALL THE CHAOS, YOUR KIND WORDS AND THOUGHTS HAVE REALLY HELPED ME HEAL FASTER. ALTHOUGH I WILL HAVE A LONG ROAD OF PHYSICAL THERAPY AHEAD OF ME, I WILL BE EVEN STRONGER. GOD IS GREAT AND THE DEVIL IS A LIE," Benzino wrote.
