US artist Jelly Roll recently shared an unsettling experience he had while shopping in Sydney, where he felt he was treated “like a criminal” at the Louis Vuitton store. The Nashville musician, known for his soulful performances, has been in Australia for a series of shows, including his appearances at the Strummingbird Festival, Harvest Rock, and Sunburnt Country.
In a candid Instagram post, Jelly Roll expressed his frustration, alleging that the staff at the high-end retailer regarded him suspiciously as if he were attempting to steal items. He humorously recounted that the level of scrutiny he faced was reminiscent of prior encounters during his past life, saying, “Listen, the last time I was looked at like a criminal this bad … I was an actual criminal this bad.”
Fans of the artist quickly took to the comments section to lighten the mood, with one commenting, “Welcome to Sydney,” followed by laughing emojis, while another joked about the city’s reputation for scrutinizing individuals based on appearance.
This incident comes shortly after Jelly Roll publicly acknowledged facing personal challenges, including infidelity in his marriage to Bunnie XO. In a heartfelt conversation on the Human School podcast, he revealed that cheating was one of the dark moments of his life, but he has since worked diligently to mend their relationship. “The repair has been special. And we’re stronger than we could have ever been,” he stated, reflecting on the growth they experienced together.
Jelly Roll, whose real name is Jason Bradley DeFord, candidly discussed his past struggles with substance abuse and the negative influences he surrounded himself with, pointing out that he has since made significant changes in his life. He emphasized the importance of surrounding himself with positive people, highlighting his journey toward personal growth and sobriety.
Despite the negative shopping experience, Jelly Roll’s openness about his past and commitment to his personal and marital growth showcases a hopeful message of redemption and the potential for positive change.