Benzino’s Nephew Claims Self-Defense in Shooting, Rapper Speaks Out
Gai Scott, the nephew of 'Love & Hip Hop' reality star Benzino says he was acting in self-defense when he shot his uncle during a funeral procession for his mother in Boston Saturday (March 29). On Monday (March 31), Scott was arraigned on a charge of armed assault with intent to murder in Plymouth District Court.
Scott’s attorney, John Ciraulo, told the judge that his client was defending himself when the altercation happened on Route 3 in Duxbury, Mass. According to police, there's been a brewing tension between Benzino and Scott.
"When the dust settles it will be abundantly clear that Mr. Scott (Gai) is a licensed gun owner and was acting in self-defense," said Ciraulo (quotes courtesy of Wicked Local Plymouth).
The judge ordered that Scott be held without bail pending a dangerousness hearing on Wednesday (April 2).
Meanwhile, Benzino, born Raymond Scott, continues to recover in the hospital from a bullet wound to his right arm that he sustained in the altercation.
From his hospital bed, the rapper talked about the harrowing incident and blames himself for it.
"I'm more embarrassed than anything else to be honest with you," Benzino told TheNEHipHop. "Because of me being a public figure and having to see that me and my family is going through that... I didn't appreciate that. At the end of the day, my mother is up there with her family now. She's happy."
Benzino wouldn't explain why Gai Scott wanted to shoot at him during a funeral procession. However, the Boston native did reveal that he was shot in his arm and back.
Interestingly, producers from his show 'Love & Hip Hop: Atlanta' are in town filming this whole spectacle.