Dancehall artiste and former Portmore Empire deejay Lisa Hyper was today (Tuesday, February 18) arrested at the Norman Manley International Airport (NMIA) following an alleged altercation with an employee. According to reports, the entertainer used abusive language toward airport staff and police officers. The incident, which was partially broadcasted live on TikTok, comes amid ongoing public discourse about her mental health—a topic she recently addressed in a candid interview with The FIX Podcast.
In the interview, Lisa Hyper firmly rejected claims that she is suffering from mental health issues, instead pointing to what she believes is spiritual warfare in the dancehall industry. “Mi nuh have mental health issue. Mi sure a dat. Zeen?” she stated. She questioned why such narratives have surfaced at a time when she feels her career is thriving. “Why as when mi do di song wid Lady Saw, mi have mental health issue? Why a when everything a go good fi mi, mi nuh depressed, mi happy… mi get mental health problem?” she asked.
While acknowledging that she was once diagnosed with psychosis and bipolar disorder, Lisa Hyper attributed her past struggles to a “spiritual battle.” She also highlighted the stigma surrounding mental health in Jamaica, emphasizing that highly intelligent individuals, including doctors and lawyers, also face such challenges. Citing her own experience at a mental health facility, she noted, “A bere doctor, lawyer… a bere genius deh deh.” Additionally, she announced plans to launch a mental health foundation in collaboration with Dr. Kai Morgan and Dr. Longmore, aiming to support individuals struggling with mental illness and Down syndrome.
Lisa Hyper’s arrest adds another layer of complexity to her public journey, which has included both musical and personal struggles. While her recent behaviour has sparked concern among fans, her outspoken stance on mental health continues to highlight broader issues of stigma and awareness in Jamaica. Whether this latest incident will impact her career remains to be seen, but it certainly ensures that the conversation surrounding Lisa Hyper is far from over.
