GloRilla Slams Police Over Arrest Following Burglary at Her Atlanta Home

Rapper GloRilla criticised police for arresting her on drug charges after a burglary at her Atlanta home, arguing she was the victim and not the suspect, as her lawyers slammed law enforcement priorities.

Grammy-nominated rapper GloRilla has sharply criticised US police authorities after she was arrested on drug charges during a burglary investigation at her Atlanta residence, branding the actions as a case of “warped priorities.”

The 25-year-old artist, whose real name is Gloria Hallelujah Woods, was not present when the alleged break-in occurred in the early hours of Sunday. At the time, she was performing at the WNBA All-Star Game in Indianapolis. According to local police reports, three armed intruders attempted to rob her home, prompting an occupant of the house to open fire in self-defence. The suspects reportedly fled the scene, and no injuries were recorded.

During their investigation, Forsyth County Sheriff’s deputies claimed they detected a “strong odour of narcotics” and subsequently discovered what they described as “a significant amount of marijuana” in plain sight in the master bedroom closet. On that basis, officers obtained a search warrant and later issued an arrest warrant for Woods, who voluntarily turned herself in on Tuesday.

She was booked on two charges: possession of marijuana and possession of a controlled substance. Woods was released shortly afterwards on a bond set at $22,260 (£16,540).

Reacting on social media, the Memphis-born rapper expressed outrage at the authorities’ response. “CRAZY!! My house got home invaded Saturday while I was in Indianapolis performing for the WNBA All-Star Game, and instead of focusing on finding the suspects, they focus on some cannabis,” she wrote. “Long story short: my house gets home invaded and I’m the only one who gets arrested.”

Woods’ legal team issued a scathing statement condemning the police's actions. “The arrest of Gloria Woods is a disturbing window into how warped law enforcement priorities have become,” her attorneys said. “Instead of thoroughly investigating a violent home invasion, they pursued a search warrant based on what they believed to be a small amount of marijuana in plain sight.”

They further emphasised that Woods is the victim of a crime, not the perpetrator, and reiterated that her family members had called the police to report the burglary. “Ms Woods is a victim, not a suspect. This is our tax dollars at work—unbelievable.”

Forsyth County Sheriff Ron Freeman defended the department’s actions, stating that while the rapper was indeed the victim of a serious crime, law enforcement had a responsibility to uphold the law. “The homeowner is a victim of a serious crime, and we are committed to bringing the suspects to justice,” Freeman said. “At the same time, we must continue to uphold and enforce the law in all aspects of this case.”

Woods, who has rapidly risen to fame in recent years with hits such as Yeah Glo! and Whatchu Kno About Me, was nominated for Best Rap Song and Best Rap Performance at this year’s Grammy Awards. She has also collaborated with high-profile artists including Megan Thee Stallion and BTS member J-Hope.

The case has sparked debate over policing priorities, particularly in instances where victims of crimes find themselves charged with unrelated offences. As investigations into the home invasion continue, GloRilla’s legal team has pledged to fight the charges vigorously.

Woods has denied any wrongdoing.