Most Talked-About Controversies Linked to XXXTentacion

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 28, 2025

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to XXXTentacion.

XXXTentacion, born Jahseh Dwayne Ricardo Onfroy, was a controversial yet influential American rapper and singer-songwriter. He cultivated a devoted young following with music centered on themes of depression and alienation. Known for his versatile musical style, his work spanned genres including emo, trap, rock, hip-hop, R&B, and punk rock. He's considered a key figure in popularizing emo rap and SoundCloud rap, which gained significant mainstream popularity in the latter half of the 2010s. His career was cut short by his death.

Sections (6)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles Controversies & Scandals Legacy & Impact

April 2016: XXXTentacion describes an incident in juvenile detention

In April 2016, XXXTentacion described an incident in an interview with Adam22 where he attacked his gay cellmate in a juvenile detention facility for staring at him while naked, leading to accusations of homophobia.

July 2016: Arrested on Robbery and Assault Charges

In July 2016, XXXTentacion was arrested and charged with robbery and assault with a deadly weapon.

October 8, 2016: XXXTentacion around time of arrest

On October 8, 2016, around the time of his arrest, a secretly recorded audio of 18-year-old XXXTentacion was captured by Pitchfork which was then released years later on October 23, 2018. In the recording, XXXTentacion allegedly confessed to domestic violence and described stabbing eight people.

October 26, 2016: XXXTentacion admits to bashing ex-girlfriend's face

On October 26, 2016, XXXTentacion admitted to a woman that he had "bashed her face" and made her "look bad on the internet" in reference to his ex-girlfriend. An audio clip of him saying he "bashed her face" was later posted on Instagram.

2016: Allegations of domestic abuse

In 2016, Geneva Ayala accused XXXTentacion of domestic abuse, sparking controversy.

2016: Battery Charge Controversy

In 2016, XXXTentacion faced significant legal issues, most notably the battery charges levied against him. This controversy became a defining aspect of his legacy for some.

March 18, 2017: Drake releases More Life mixtape including "KMT"

On March 18, 2017, Drake released the mixtape "More Life," which included the song "KMT." Following his release from jail two weeks later, XXXTentacion responded in an interview calling Drake a "bitch" and expressing that he felt disrespected by "KMT."

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June 16, 2017: XXXTentacion Punches Audience Member at Complex Concert in Salt Lake City, Utah

On June 16, 2017, XXXTentacion punched an audience member during a concert at the Complex in Salt Lake City, Utah. XXXTentacion claimed that the action was in self-defense, as he had requested that no one touch him.

September 8, 2017: Pitchfork leaks testimony in XXXTentacion's case

On September 8, 2017, Pitchfork leaked the testimony of the alleged victim in XXXTentacion's case, which led to the trial being delayed again. Controversy arose following XXXTentacion's donation to domestic violence prevention programs.

October 21, 2017: XXXTentacion Involved in Brawl at Rolling Loud Festival

On October 21, 2017, XXXTentacion was involved in a brawl with a fan during California's Rolling Loud Festival. XXXTentacion claimed self-defense on Instagram before any video of the incident was uploaded.

May 10, 2018: Spotify stops promoting XXXTentacion's music

On May 10, 2018, Spotify announced they would stop promoting XXXTentacion's music, along with Tay-K and R. Kelly's, but later reversed the decision after pressure from Top Dawg Entertainment.

October 23, 2018: Pitchfork releases secretly recorded audio of XXXTentacion

On October 23, 2018, Pitchfork released secretly recorded audio of 18-year-old XXXTentacion around the time of his October 8, 2016, arrest. In the recording, XXXTentacion allegedly confessed to domestic violence and described stabbing eight people.

2019: Release of jail calls reveal claims about pregnancy and assault

In 2019, documents and audio of phone calls that XXXTentacion made to his mother from jail were released, where XXXTentacion claimed that his ex-girlfriend may have not been pregnant and claimed that it was his female friends who beat Ayala.

November 2022: Release of 2017 interview addressing prior homophobic allegations

In November 2022, an interview from 2017 with The Fader was released, where XXXTentacion addressed the prior incident in juvenile detention and stated it was negligent to not clarify that he did not attack his cellmate because he was gay.