Dadre Distances Herself From Ivany’s ‘Shih-tzu’ Controversy

Dancehall artist Dadre is distancing herself from the actions of social media star Ivany Wright who provoked the ire of the Jamaica Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (JSPCA).  In a social media video Wright appeared to perform a split on a male shih-tzu while promoting Dadre’s song, Lucky Gal.

“I do not condone any activity that may risk the safety of animals, however, I can reassure you that Ivany meant no harm in creating content for the Lucky Gyal competition,” Dadre said.

The song was released on April 8th on the DJ Treasure label.

Instagram followers were shocked when a video emerged on Ivany’s Instagram (IG) account on Monday, a lingerie-clad Ivany performed a split and straddled the male shih-tzu she called Louie, which had its four legs tied and splayed out on the floor. Then the video cut to Ivany dancing on her head.

Interestingly, Ivany Wright’s Instagram page seems as though it has been disabled as she has been using her back-up page for the past few days.

The US-based artist Dadre doesn’t believe that the dog was in any physical danger and that the JSPCA may have overreacted when its managing director called for stronger laws to punish the type of behaviour shown.

“I don’t own a dog because of the time that would be required to care for the dog, but I respect all living things. Initially I was shocked but I didn’t believe the dog was in any danger. I honestly didn’t expect too much of a negative reaction to the video, so yes, I’m a little shocked, but Ivany meant no harm,” Dadre said.

Dadre is known for singles such as One Man and Last Night featuring Pypeline.

In the meantime, a video released for the ‘Lucky Gyal’ single has racked up over 200,000 views since its release two weeks ago.

Pamela Lawson, managing director at JSPCA, had been hoping that Instagram would shut down Ivany’s account. This was the second time that the controversial Wright has popped up in the crosshairs of the JSPCA’s. Locally, she is hoping to see more teeth to laws that protect animals. “About a month and half ago she did something more suggestive with the dog, and if you think this is upsetting, you do not want to see that video,” Lawson reportedly told the Observer.

Efforts to get a comment from Lawson after Ivany Wright’s page was disabled.

Ivany Wright is a controversial and polarising figure on social media. Last year, she was given suspended sentences on larceny charges when she appeared in the Kingston and St Andrew Parish Court. She was also shot in an incident in November 2019 in St. Andrew.