NME News

Hip-Hop producer given four years…then pardoned

Dallas Austin

Dallas Austin

Verdict overturned within hours

Producer Dallas Austin, who has worked with Madonna, TLC, Pink and Michael Jackson, has been pardoned by Dubai’s ruler hours after being sentenced to four years in jail.

The producer was sentenced after pleading guilty to ‘possessing and taking drugs’ after a gram of cocaine was found in his luggage.

The verdict was then overturned just hours later, when Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum issued a pardon.

The Hip-Hop superstar was on his way to a party hosted by model Naomi Campbell when he was detained.

Austin has not yet been released from custody in Dubai, but his attorney said this was merely “a matter of paperwork”, according to Billboard.

Add your comment

NME Alerts

Get NME news delivered direct to your desktop. Find out more

This Week's Issue
  • NME Magazine - The ultimate guide to the week in music
  • The ultimate guide to the week in music
  • NME Magazine - Subscribe now and save up to 37!
Please sign in

Forgot your password?

Register with MyNME

Every Tuesday and Friday

  • Up-to-the-minute news stories
  • The best new music and free downloads
  • Video interviews, photo galleries, competitions and more
  • Album and track reviews for the week ahead
  • Essential gigs in your area