A recent Blackberry party attended by rapper Wretch 32 and other high profile celebrities ended in a stabbing, the most recent at the Pulse underground nightclub in Southwark street, Southwark. The Blackberry party stabbing saw the victim injured with a broken bottle, he is in a serious, potentially critical condition in an East London hospital after being savagely attacked and stabbed in the neck with the broken champagne bottle at the party being thrown by the smartphone company BlackBerry, aiming to promote their products to the urban youth.
A number of high profile rappers and celebrities attended the party, aimed at promoting the Blackberry to the young. It was perhaps the wrong way to promote a business phone, especially considering the way the phones were being used during the riots. Associating the phone with rap artists, is perhaps not the best marketing move, though is sure to increase sales amongst a certain section of society.
The victim, who has not been named, though some suggest was from Essex, and an actor, is said to be in his 30′s. Scotland Yard have said that a 25 year old suspect was arrested on suspicion of assault at the scene and is in custody at a south London police station.
The injured man was being treated in an east London hospital, the force said.He was attacked inside Pulse underground nightclub in Southwark, central London, just after midnight. Some rumours suggest the stabbing is linked to an argument over a girl between the stabbed man and rapper Wretch 32 has been questioned by police regarding the incident.
A man was arrested at the scene in connection with the brutal incident, though Scotland Yard have not confirmed if the arrested man is Wretch 32 or not. Singer Jessie J had earlier performed at the event, which was hosted by the phone giant to promote its BlackBerry instant messaging service.
The party had been attended by journalists, celebrities and some actors from the TV series The Only Way Is Essex. A number of BlackBerry competition winners were also in attendance. Channel 4 News’s technology journalist Benjamin Cohen had been at the event and reported that hundreds of revellers were kept inside the club whilst the police investigated the incident, which had a number of witnesses. The Blackberry party stabbing saw scenes of chaos, anger, and disgust by revellers, and resulted in the party being cut short, and a police investigation beginning.
According to Mr Cohen there was a bouncer whose hands and arms were covered in blood following the attack, suggesting door supervisors may of had to disarm the man who carried out the stabbing. A number of teenagers were allowed to attend the BlackBerry party, and plied with free alcohol. At around 00:07 hrs on 04/04/2012 the ambulance service had been called by police regarding the man injured in the Pulse nightclub off Southwark Street.
Opinion: To be clear, I have no problem with rappers, partying, or the principle of a free party paid for by a commercial giant. Blackberry is a fine product, though I have not been converted myself yet, I know many avid fans. The “Blackberry” party was perhaps not such a bad idea, and the bottling of someone was unfortunate, it should not be a reflection on the brand or firm.
These kinds of attacks happen on a regular basis throughout the UK, so it is hardly surprising, though if someone famous, like the rapper Wretch 32 was involved in the incident, then this story could go global. Usually stabbings and violence can occur when phones are being robbed by muggers, and the best thing to do is hand over your phone if asked, its not worth dying over. For a stabbing to happen at an official Blackberry party is extraordinary, and perhaps this will highlight the level of violence many of us face on a regular basis.