Richard “O’Sh*t” Duncan from the reality TV show “Black Ink Crew” is facing cocaine-related charges stemming from a July DUI arrest in Georgia.
An police incident report supposedly indicates that the reality TV star and tattoo artist was pulled over for speeding last month, but the routine traffic stop took a troubling turn, according to TMZ. Police say they smelled alcohol while conversing with Duncan, which prompted them to initiate field sobriety tests. They didn’t have to dig too deep, as police indicate that Duncan admitted to drinking, according to TMZ. Police proceeded to search his vehicle, where they allegedly discovered a bag of cocaine in the center cupholder, according to TMZ.
‘Black Ink Crew’ star Richard Duncan got busted for DUI in Georgia. https://t.co/kV04pVcifU
— TMZ (@TMZ) August 22, 2022
In addition to driving with a bag of cocaine in his car, Duncan also allegedly had an open container of alcohol in the vehicle, according to TMZ. Police charged him with driving with open alcohol and possession of a controlled substance. The possession charge is a felony and carries more severe punishments.
Duncan shared a humble and apologetic post to social media, addressing his recent arrest, and the role of his mental health in the incident. “I need to be honest and transparent with my IG family. I’ve been having a hard time,” Duncan said.
“I was diagnosed as bipolar about 2 years ago and it’s been a hard ass journey navigating the ups and downs of this disease, my sobriety journey, being a new business owner- and just LIFE,” he wrote to Instagram.
He went on to say he had “sadly become inconsistent with [his] meds and self/care. When I’m in a bad place, I don’t always make the best choices and consequently Ive hurt and let down a lot of people I love in the process.” (RELATED: Former NFL Star Marshawn Lynch Arrested For DUI, Faces Numerous Charges)
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“Last month I did something really stupid during a manic episode and consequently, got a DUI. I do not condone drinking and driving, drug use or acting out- mental illness or not. I did something that was so dumb, pointless and honestly embarrassing,” Duncan said.
He went on to discuss how he plans to move forward from this mistake.
“I can’t promise perfection but the first step is accountability and honesty and I’m working on both. I openly accept the consequences of my actions and I am actively working with my doctors, therapists and group to get back on track,” Duncan said.
He signed off his Instagram account saying, “I’m sorry to everyone i let down. I am looking forward to active recovery, sobriety and a fresh start,” Duncan wrote to his Instagram page.