Derek Bissue, a 22-year-old Toronto rapper who performs under the name Derek Wise, has been arrested on 15 charges including human trafficking, uttering threats of death and bodily harm, and overcoming resistance by choking. Bissue is a member of Toronto’s downtown rap crew Get Home Safe and is affiliated with the Weeknd’s XO crew; he appeared in the Weeknd’s “King Of The Fall” video four months ago, and his own music has been featured in North American music publications including Noisey, whose parent site Vice broke the story. The official Derek Wise Twitter account listed his affiliation with XO until yesterday, when any mention of XO was removed. The police report indicates that an investigation began on 12/11 after a 21-year-old woman alleged that Bissue assaulted her and forced her into forced her into the sex trade. He is in custody awaiting trial. Police believe there may be more victims.

Bissue’s manager Quincy Nanatakyi issued a statement to Vice flatly denying the charges and asserting that the accuser is mentally unstable:

The investigation against Derek is both shocking and offensive. These accusations, which we take very seriously were brought to the police after Derek attempted to end an unhealthy relationship with a mentally unstable individual. Derek’s character would not allow him to commit any of the allegations he is facing. Unfortunately, the mental health of his accuser is in question as well. During their relationship Derek was a victim of physical abuse, slanderous accusations, and was threatened that his career would be ruined by the same person who has now made these erroneous allegations. Having had to deal with these abuses before the investigation, Derek would never put anyone through the same pain he was forced to experience. Derek would like everyone to please understand that all slanderous accusations against him are completely untrue and he empathizes with ALL victims of any and every form of abuse. GHS also known as get home safe members and affiliates of Derek Bissue also known as Derek Wise do not promote any of the negative and horrendous claims brought against Derek. As a young man raised by a single mother who Derek found love and endless inspiration, he would never put himself into a situation that would cause harm to a woman. It hurts me to see my best friend and business partner in this situation. People change when they see someone close to them elevating their mindset and focusing on positive routes to success. I want all of his fans, friends and loved ones to send positive energy for this tiresome, somber, and ridiculous situation. Lastly, I want to state that due to the legal process I cannot disclose any more information at this time. Also please understand that there are two sides to every story.

A few things: (1) What the fuck, man?! (2) How unfortunate is it that this guy’s crew is called Get Home Safe? (3) There is no indication that the Weeknd is involved with any of these alleged crimes, but still, this is probably going to make listening to some of Abel Tesfaye’s seedier material a lot more uncomfortable. (4) What the fuck, man?!