Trey Songz’s bodyguard has surrendered to Dubai authorities to begin serving a one-year sentence following a disputed incident involving a bystander. As he enters prison, Cornell Whitfield has made a personal plea to President Donald Trump for urgent diplomatic intervention.
Press Release: Miami, Florida / London, UK 16 June 2025
Cornell Whitfield, an American celebrity bodyguard known for protecting R&B artist Trey Songz, has turned himself in to Dubai authorities this week to begin serving a one-year prison sentence. His incarceration comes nearly two years after a brief confrontation during which he shielded his client from an aggressive bystander, an act legal experts and supporters call a professional obligation now twisted into a criminal conviction.
The incident occurred in early 2023, when Whitfield was escorting Trey Songz from a hotel to an event. A Jordanian man began shouting at the artist and aggressively approached them. As fans gathered to take photos, Whitfield calmly stepped in to de-escalate the situation and protect his client. The individual later accused Whitfield of slapping him, claiming hearing loss, allegations that were not supported by medical reports and contradicted by multiple accounts. Despite these inconsistencies, Whitfield was arrested in August 2023, charged, convicted, and ultimately had his appeal denied by the Court of Cassation in October 2024. “In Dubai”, explains expert witness Radha Stirling, “police will automatically prosecute complaints and whomever issues the first police complaint, is considered truthful. Hearsay evidence alone is sufficient to secure a conviction. Cornell was facing an uphill battle against a system that favours muslims and is prejudiced against foreigners, and especially those of colour. African-Americans have been repeatedly told by UAE law enforcement that ‘they’re not really American. They’re African and will be treated as such”.
Following nearly two years of legal uncertainty and mounting personal hardship, Whitfield voluntarily surrendered to authorities this week. He is now in custody and expected to serve the remainder of the sentence under increasingly difficult conditions. In a letter, Whitfield made a personal appeal to former President Donald J. Trump for diplomatic intervention.
“I have had extremely limited communication, inadequate legal representation, and the emotional toll on my family has been immense,” Whitfield wrote. “Your support would mean the world to me and my family.”
His mother, Marysia Bryant Mike, says the ordeal has devastated their family. They have spent over $200,000 in legal and living expenses to support Whitfield, who has been without stable housing or access to medical care in recent months.
Radha Stirling, CEO of Detained in Dubai who has been assisting the family, condemned the prosecution as part of a larger pattern of abuse in the UAE legal system.
“Cornell was doing his job. He didn’t attack anyone, he protected his client from a man who was acting inappropriately in a public space,” said Stirling. “But in the UAE, foreigners, especially those perceived as wealthy or connected to celebrities, are routinely targeted for financial compensation. False accusations are often followed by demands for large payouts, and the courts too often fail to protect foreign nationals.”
Stirling says the UAE’s legal system has been weaponized to pressure foreigners into settlements under threat of prison. “This is a clear-cut case of injustice,” she said. “Cornell is out of legal options, and unless diplomatic pressure is applied, he will serve a year in prison for doing nothing wrong”.
Cornell Whitfield expressed heartfelt gratitude for the support he's received from friends, family, and the public. “I want to thank everyone who’s stood by me during this nightmare,” he said. “Your love and prayers have kept me going through the darkest moments. Please continue to pray for my strength and safety, and help shine a light on the injustice I’m facing. I still believe that truth and justice will prevail.”
