Yasiin Bey (f.k.a. Mos Def) has been granted permission to leave South Africa after a nearly yearlong legal battle. The Guardian reports that Bey has “unreservedly apologized” for attempting to exit the country with a “world passport” not legally recognized by the South African government, which has now dropped the charges that first arose back in January. Since then, Bey had been out on bail and living in South Africa in legal purgatory. Following his arrest, Bey released a plea, via voicemail, on Kanye West’s website begging the South African government for his freedom; he also announced his retirement from music and final album. As per the conditions of his release, Bey will be declared an “undesirable person” and not allowed to reenter South Africa. Bey had been living in Cape Town since 2013.
