On January 18, 2023, a Moroccan Court of First Instance in Casablanca handed rapper Taha Fahssi, known as ElGrande Toto, an eight-month suspended prison sentence for “insults, defamation, and threats” against a Belgium-based journalist. The 26-year-old Casablanca-born artist was also ordered to pay 50,000 dirhams ($4,900) in damages following an online dispute sparked by his controversial comments about cannabis use.
Background of the Case
The controversy began in September 2022 when ElGrande Toto, speaking to reporters after a concert, declared, “I smoke hash—so what? It doesn’t mean I set a bad example.” These remarks provoked outrage in Morocco, a conservative country where recreational cannabis use is illegal, despite its status as the world’s largest cannabis producer, according to the United Nations. The comments led to accusations of “inciting drug use” and defamation, prompting several complaints, including one from a Belgium-based journalist who alleged threats.
The journalist’s complaint stemmed from an Instagram comment by Toto, who wrote, “We’ll meet in Belgium, and you won’t know what happened to you.” This was perceived as a threat, escalating the situation into a legal battle. The rapper was briefly detained on October 24, 2022, after complaints from three artists, a journalist, and a policeman, and was released on bail two days later following a public apology.
Legal Outcome and Reaction
The court’s ruling on January 18, 2023, resulted in a suspended eight-month sentence, meaning Toto would not serve jail time unless he reoffends within a specified period. His lawyer, Abdelfattah Zahrach, expressed mixed feelings, stating he was “partly satisfied” with the ruling but contested the compensation order, arguing, “The rapper has not committed any criminal act against the plaintiff.” Zahrach indicated they were considering an appeal.
Toto, who was on tour in Senegal at the time, issued a public apology in October 2022, saying, “I offer my apologies to anyone offended by my words, starting with the authorities and my public.” Despite the controversy, his popularity remains strong, as he is the second-most streamed artist in the Arab world on Spotify, behind Egyptian rapper Wegz.
Broader Context and Critical Analysis
The case highlights tensions between freedom of expression and cultural conservatism in Morocco. While the country legalized cannabis for medical, cosmetic, and industrial use in 2021, recreational use remains taboo, and public figures face intense scrutiny for endorsing it. Toto’s comments, though reflective of his candid persona, clashed with societal norms, leading to legal repercussions. His arrest and trial also reflect Morocco’s sensitivity to perceived threats, particularly in the context of online disputes.
The incident raises questions about the proportionality of the punishment. A suspended sentence and hefty fine for an online comment, even a threatening one, may be seen as excessive by some, especially given Toto’s apology and lack of prior criminal acts against the plaintiff. The case also underscores the challenges faced by artists like Toto, whose global fame—evidenced by 135 million Spotify streams in 2021 and collaborations with artists like Ayra Starr—clashes with local legal and cultural expectations.
Furthermore, the involvement of a Belgium-based journalist points to the transnational nature of such disputes, amplified by social media. The lack of clarity in initial reports about the journalist’s identity and the specific nature of the complaint suggests a need for more transparent legal processes to avoid perceptions of overreach by authorities.
Subsequent Developments
Since the 2023 ruling, ElGrande Toto has continued his successful career, performing at the Mawazine Festival in June 2025 as the first Morocco-born artist on the OLM Souissi stage and winning three Billboard Arabia Awards in 2024 for Arabic Hip-Hop. However, he faced further controversy in 2024 when accused of sexual assault, leading him to file a defamation complaint, and when former Prime Minister Abdelilah Benkirane labeled him “scum,” prompting a public defense of his artistic freedom. These incidents indicate Toto’s ongoing navigation of fame and scrutiny.
Conclusion
ElGrande Toto’s suspended sentence reflects Morocco’s complex balance between cultural conservatism and the global influence of its artists. While the ruling avoided immediate jail time, it underscores the risks public figures face in addressing sensitive topics like drug use. The case also highlights the power of social media in escalating disputes and the need for clear legal frameworks to protect both free expression and public safety. As Toto continues to shape the Arab music scene, his experience serves as a cautionary tale for artists navigating cultural and legal boundaries.
