Rapper and Netflix series star charged in fatal hit-and-run

Ghetts, known offstage as Justin Clarke-Samuel, appeared in a London court following the incident

British rapper Ghetts faces charges of causing serious injury by dangerous driving, linked to an alleged hit-and-run incident that resulted in the death of a 20-year-old man.

The artist and actor, whose real name is Justin Clarke-Samuel, appeared at Stratford Magistrates' Court in London, England, on Monday (October 20), following the crash on October 18 in Redbridge Lane East, Ilford.

Authorities are seeking witnesses to the event, where Clarke-Samuel is accused of not stopping after hitting the man.

The victim was transported to hospital after the collision, where he remained until his death on Monday, coinciding with Clarke-Samuel's court appearance.

Following the man's death, the charge against Clarke-Samuel is anticipated to escalate from causing serious injury to causing death by dangerous driving.

Ghetts appeared in court following the crash (Joe Maher/Getty Images)

The change is anticipated to occur at the next hearing, with the actor being held in custody and scheduled to appear at Barkingside Magistrates' Court on October 27.

Clarke-Samuel has not yet commented publicly on the incident, but it happens amid his thriving music career, during which he has been nominated for a Mercury Prize in 2024 and has received awards such as Best Male Act at the Mobo Awards in 2021, and the Mobo Pioneer Award in 2024 for his contributions to British black culture.

In addition to his musical career, Clarke-Samuel secured a role in Netflix's popular show Supacell, which captivated viewers so much that they were watching the entire thing in one night.

The series centers on a group of black British individuals who unexpectedly gain superpowers.

Speaking about his time on television, the rapper told NME: “It feels good to have success in another area where music probably opened the door."

Regarding his potential future in acting, he added: “God willing, man. It’s something that I enjoy and want to pursue further.”

Ghetts featured in the first season of Supacell (Alan Chapman/Dave Benett/WireImage)

Discussing his career approach, Clarke-Samuel shared with the publisher: "I just make music, man – for the love, for the art.

"I love music, I love listening to it, I love creating it. The story of this [2024 album] is about a man discovering his purpose. The previous one [2021’s ‘Conflict Of Interest‘] was about a very conflicted individual, which I still am, but within that conflict, we must still find purpose as humans.

“Our purpose isn’t just to make money, pay bills, and die. That’s where I was.

Sure, you can earn money – you can earn a lot and live extravagantly – but what are you doing? Someone’s purpose might be simply to love. Someone else’s might be to connect the dots. It’s something that feels more fulfilling than our daily routines.”