The mothership series in VH1’s unscripted Black Ink CrewIn late June, the controversy that rocked the franchise was triggered by a disturbing video that appeared online. It allegedly showed Ceaser Elmanuel (founder of Black Ink) allegedly beating and abusing dogs at his home. Emanuel, a New York-based star, was about to be fired from VH1’s Season 10 production. According to reports, Emanuel turned himself in to authorities in Georgia for animal cruelty charges.
On Wednesday, June 20, Ceaser Emanuel surrendered himself to officers from the South Fulton PD, per a spokesperson’s report to TMZ. According to jail records Emanuel faces three criminal charges. He is facing one felony for aggravated animal cruelty and two misdemeanors for animal cruelty. It isn’t yet publicly known what will happen to the former Black Ink Crew New YorkStar regarding possible arrest or other consequences.
At this time, it’s also still not fully confirmed whether or not these charges are directly connected to the acts shown in the leaked video. This seems plausible given the timing and the fact South Fulton authorities were already involved. The incident is being investigated already. Less than two weeks prior to Emanuel turning himself in, his legal counsel made it sound as if they weren’t aware if the charges were legitimate or not.
A statement was made to The Shade RoomChristina Gill, an attorney, shared that Ceaser Elmanuel was open to cooperating. It took all parties as long to resolve the matter. In Gill’s words:
After Suzette Samuel, his ex-girlfriend filed a complaint regarding animal cruelty in relation to a 2-year-old video. This was after a recent breakup. [Ceaser Emanuel]In order to bring him justice, he will fully cooperate with both the legal authorities as well as his counsel. Although we cannot confirm or deny whether actual charges have been brought against him, we are working with authorities to find a resolution. He will willingly surrender to us.
It was at the time Ceaser Elmanuel was first firedStarting at Black Ink CrewWalter Mosley, Walter Mosley’s lawyer, claimed that it was an “old”Video taken in his Atlanta home during COVID lockdowns. Emanuel also spoke soon after. TMZ saying the video wasn’t what it seemed to be, and that he was breaking up a fight between the two dogs shown, when one of them attacked. He said that his violent response was an impulsive choice made in the moment because he was afraid about what might happen next. The dogs are both now fine. One of the dogs was given to a friend while the other went to obedience training.
Ceaser Emanuel also claimed that the video clip was from his home security system and that it was leaked. These allegations were made about his ex-girlfriend Suzette Sam only later.
Whatever the reason, the video was enough to fire him from VH1, and also Attracting the attention of former co-stars such as Donna Lombardi. It’s unclear how the incident will be addressed on Black Ink Crew directly, but the producers were reportedly intending to work the situation into one or more episodes, given that production hadn’t quite ended yet.
Black Ink CrewVH1 will air season 10 at some point in 2022 or 2023. Go to our 2022 TV premiere scheduleTo see which other shows are coming soon, click here