Rapper Tekashi 6ix9ine walked out of the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn on Wednesday with a one-of-a-kind souvenir: a SpongeBob toy allegedly signed by Nicolás Maduro, the former Venezuelan dictator who reportedly shares the same facility.
"Oh, by the way, check this out... Maduro signed it, April 2nd, Venezuela forever," the rapper announced to the cameras upon his release, revealing the unusual stuffed toy.
The footage of his release quickly went viral on social media, sparking a wide array of reactions from fans and the general public.
The simultaneous presence of these two notorious figures has made the Brooklyn detention center one of the most talked-about prisons in recent memory. Tekashi 6ix9ine had been incarcerated following his arrest on charges including possession of ecstasy and cocaine, as well as firearm offenses.
Meanwhile, Maduro was apprehended by U.S. special forces in January and brought to New York to face federal charges. The former Venezuelan leader pleaded not guilty during his initial court appearance in a federal court in the city.
Tekashi 6ix9ine and Nicolás Maduro's Unlikely Prison Connection
How did Tekashi 6ix9ine and Nicolás Maduro end up in the same prison?
Tekashi 6ix9ine was detained for drug-related charges and firearm offenses, while Nicolás Maduro was arrested by U.S. special forces and brought to New York to face federal charges.
What was the reaction to Tekashi 6ix9ine's release video?
The video of Tekashi 6ix9ine's release went viral on social media, eliciting a variety of reactions from both his fans and the general public.