Dancehall artiste Lisa Hyper is back in the headlines following recent legal developments both in the United States and Jamaica. The entertainer, known for her early affiliation with Vybz Kartel’s Portmore Empire, has been navigating a series of legal challenges in recent months.
Hyper, whose real name is Felicia Gooden, was recently cleared of trespassing charges in Florida. The matter was dismissed by a U.S. judge after the complainant failed to appear in court. With no evidence presented by the prosecution, the case was removed from the trial list and formally dismissed. The judge confirmed there would be no further proceedings, effectively closing the matter.
The charges stemmed from a minor incident that occurred during her stay in the U.S. earlier this year. At the time, Hyper had been dealing with personal issues that reportedly contributed to her interactions with law enforcement. Since being released from hospital in March, she has resumed professional activities and appears to be in better spirits.
In Jamaica, Hyper is also dealing with a separate case. In February, she was arrested at the Norman Manley International Airport in Kingston and charged with assault and disorderly conduct. The matter is currently before the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court. However, a judge recently vacated a bench warrant that had been issued in connection to the case, suggesting progress is being made toward a resolution.
Despite the recent legal troubles, the deejay has remained active in the entertainment space. She has launched a weekly event series titled 21 Bad Gyal Fridays, held in New Kingston, as she looks to maintain her visibility in the Dancehall scene.
Notably, Lisa Hyper has been absent from recent events associated with former mentor Vybz Kartel, including his landmark performance at the Barclays Center in New York, which featured a slew of other Jamaican and international acts. While she has not publicly addressed the absence, the developments come at a time when she appears focused on managing her legal affairs and professional future.
With her U.S. case now behind her and her Jamaican case progressing through the courts, Lisa Hyper’s immediate focus appears to be stabilizing her career and navigating the legal hurdles that have marked her year thus far.
