Wiz Khalifa, the American rapper known for hits like Black and Yellow, has been sentenced to nine months in jail in Romania for illegal drug possession, over a year after he was arrested at a music festival in the country. The decision was reported on December 18, 2025, by Romania’s national news agency, Agerpres, and confirmed by the Associated Press.

Details of the Arrest and Charges

The incident occurred in July 2024, when Khalifa, whose real name is Cameron Jibril Thomaz, headlined the “Beach, Please!” festival in Costinesti, Romania. Authorities allege that he possessed more than 18 grams of cannabis and consumed some of it onstage during his performance.

The Constanta Court of Appeal handed down the nine-month sentence after Khalifa was convicted of “possession of dangerous drugs, without right, for personal consumption”, citing the social impact of his behavior. According to the court’s written reasoning:

The rapper’s conduct “represents ostentatious behavior that significantly amplifies the social danger of the offence” and sends a message that could normalize illegal drug use among young people.

Earlier in April 2025, a lower court in Constanta County had issued Khalifa a fine of 3,600 lei ($830) for the same offense. Prosecutors appealed, seeking a stricter sentence, which was upheld by the appellate court in December.

Khalifa’s Response

Following the July 2024 performance, Khalifa addressed the situation on X (formerly Twitter), apologizing to his Romanian fans:

“Last night’s show was amazing. I didn’t mean any disrespect to the country of Romania by lighting up on stage. They were very respectful and let me go. I’ll be back soon. But without a big ass joint next time.”

It remains unclear whether Romanian authorities will pursue extradition, as Khalifa is a U.S. citizen and does not reside in Romania.

Legal and Cultural Context

Romanian judges emphasized that the sentence was intended as a deterrent, warning that public drug use by celebrities can influence youth behavior. The court cited the rapper’s high-profile status and the public nature of the act, noting that it could implicitly encourage tolerance and consumption of illegal drugs.

This case highlights the differences in international drug laws, as cannabis possession is treated much more strictly in Romania compared to certain U.S. states where Khalifa frequently performs.

Wiz Khalifa’s Career and Public Image

Khalifa, 38, is one of the most recognized figures in American hip-hop, with a career spanning over a decade and a reputation for onstage stunts and public marijuana advocacy. Despite the Romanian legal issues, his music and festival performances continue to draw international audiences.

As the sentence stands, it could affect his ability to perform in Europe and may have implications for future international tours, depending on how Romanian authorities handle enforcement for a non-resident.