The SSL fraud scandal, in which over US$12 million was fleeced from Usain Bolt’s account, has opened old wounds of racism and classism in Jamaica.
In a TVJ interview with the late Ian Boyne on January 7, 2018, Bolt explained his experience with affluent and light-skinned Jamaica.
Bolt explained that despite being a world-famous athlete who helped to put Jamaica on the map as a track and field powerhouse, he would experience racism and classism from time to time.
“A lot,” the artist said when asked about experiencing racism or classism in Jamaica.
Usain Bolt
“People look at things as you coming up and you building yourself; a lot of people don’t want to see that. It’s just life. I’ve learned to understand that, that not everybody is gonna appreciate what you have done,” he added.
Bolt recalled an incident where a Dancehall artist’s wife told him to return to where he came from after a disagreement about him inviting his friends over. The derogatory comment implied Bolt was not fit to live in an Uptown setting.