Jamaican dancehall icon Adidja Palmer, famously known as Vybz Kartel, is opening up about a deeply personal decision he now regrets—bleaching his skin.
Speaking in a recent interview on U.S. radio station Hot 97 with host Ebro Darden, Kartel candidly revisited a chapter of his life that sparked wide controversy and conversation.
Kartel admitted that he lightened his skin years ago with the intention of making his many tattoos more noticeable. At the time, he believed it was purely a cosmetic choice, but with time and reflection, he’s come to recognize deeper issues beneath the surface.
“Looking back, I can see it was partly tied to self-love,” he said. “But back then, I didn’t realize it. My focus was just on showing off my tattoos—I had a lot of them.”
Now shifting toward a healthier lifestyle, the dancehall superstar also revealed he’s cut back on alcohol and smoking. With a new outlook on life, he shared his excitement about the future, especially his plans to marry his longtime partner, Sidem Öztürk.
“I’m ready to settle down and have Turkish children,” he said with a smile.
