Kentucky Governor Accuses Man Named Tupac Shakur Of Using A Fake Name To File For Unemployment Assistance, Later Apologizes

Tupac Shakur (circa 1996)

Kentucky Governor Accuses Man Named Tupac Shakur Of Using A Fake Name To File For Unemployment Assistance, Later Apologizes

In the words of his namesake, a Lexington, Kentucky resident named Tupac Shakur had all eyes on him this week after his home state’s governor, Andy Beshear, called him out during a television briefing. Like many other Americans, Tupac Shakur – a 46-year-old cook – filed an unemployment claim in March to receive financial assistance. He was let go from his job amid the coronavirus outbreak. However, Gov. Beshear let the entire state know funds had been delayed due to residents like Mr. Shakur. He alleged that the Lexington man used the slain 90s rapper’s name to file a fake claim, according to NBC News. The governor said this during the televised briefing:

“Unfortunately, it’s gonna take a little bit of time ’cause a couple of bad apples can make this challenge that much more difficult. For instance, we had somebody apply for unemployment for Tupac Shakur here in Kentucky. The person thought they were being funny…because of them we have to go through so many other claims that one person thinking they were funny, using another person’s identity, is going to make tens of thousands potentially of other people wait. It is not okay.”

However, Tupac Shakur is not a bad apple but a real citizen. He responded to the governor’s televised blast:

“I’ve been struggling for like the last month trying to figure out how to pay the bills…I’m hurt, I’m really embarrassed and I’m shocked.”

When Governor Andy Beshear discovered that he had spoken out of turn, he personally called Tupac to issue an apology. He also apologized on the public forum where he misspoke. Tupac Shakur accepted his apology:

“I understand, he’s dealing with a lot. Mistakes happen.”

Would this be an appropriate time to play “I Ain’t Mad At Cha?”

What are your thoughts on the mix-up? Let us know in the comments!

Written by Miata Shanay