Lauryn Hill’s Heartfelt Support for Family’s Battle Against Knife Violence

The Backstory

Lisa Bascoe-Smith, the mother of James Basco-Smith, revealed that her son felt “so welcome” backstage after the “Doo Wop” singer’s recent performance at London’s 02 Arena.

A Tragic Event

In 2021, James was stabbed many times while riding a bicycle in Brixton, south London. He suffered brain damage as a result of his heart stopping and the brain not getting enough blood or oxygen.

Moving Forward

Speaking after their encounter, Lauryn Hill expressed her support for James’ family’s efforts to combat knife violence.

Lauryn’s Message

The multi-grammy winner continued, ‘They can’t be attacking each other and hurting each other.’

‘If they respect their own lives more then they will respect their neighbors’ lives more.’

Facing New Challenges

According to Ms. Bascoe-Smith, her son is “all about” music. “He felt like he was someone up there, and special. It really made his evening.” She remarked, “We had a really, really good time.”

Ms. Bascoe-Smith continued, “We have these amazing moments but then we come home and reality kicks in.”

New Challenges

Apart from his pre-existing requirements, James was undergoing chemotherapy after receiving a cancer diagnosis.

Since taking up her son’s full-time care, she is unable to work.

Ms. Bascoe-Smith stated that she was fighting to get them out of the ground-floor apartment they were placed in after James was discharged from the hospital, but she did not want to disclose where in London they were residing out of concern for their safety.

She shared, “The house where we are living is really dark and depressing. There are no windows at the front because it’s a car park and there are train tracks at the back.”

“For James, this is his worst nightmare. We’ve had mold and we’ve had cockroaches,” the concerned parent remarked.

The Attack

When Taiquane Lewis, then 19 years old, and Leon Rashid, then 20 years old, attacked James, he was just 16. They were both found guilty of plotting to kill and sentenced to life in prison.

Conclusion

James’ story is a heart-wrenching reminder of the devastating effects of knife violence. It is essential for us to work together to combat this issue and provide support to families affected by it.

FAQs

Q: What is James Basco-Smith’s current condition?
A: After the attack, James suffered brain damage and has been undergoing treatment. He is also undergoing chemotherapy after receiving a cancer diagnosis.

Q: What is the current living situation of James and his mother, Lisa Bascoe-Smith?
A: They are living in a ground-floor apartment in London, which is temporary and has its own set of challenges. The mother and son are fighting to get a better living situation, but their safety is their top priority.

Q: What is the support like for James and his family?
A: The family has received support from various organizations and individuals, including Lauryn Hill, who expressed her support for their efforts to combat knife violence.