I’m sorry, Zed

Last month, I was the victim of an online scam. The scammers tricked Milwaukee rapper and musician Zed Kenzo into making videos that presented the opportunity as legitimate. They then hacked Kenzo’s account, locked them out of their account and started messaging unsuspecting followers. I was one of a handful of folks who were fleeced. 

When I posted on Instagram about the ordeal, I was fully under the impression Kenzo had actually been in on the scam. Maybe it was because of the videos but it, somehow, never occurred to me it could be anyone else. That was my bad; I should have known better. 

So, I’d like to say: I’m sorry, Zed.

I’m an award-winning journalist who graduated from the top J-school in the nation. I’ve been out of practice since 2018 but I should have checked and double-checked. And I didn’t. For me, a newly self-employed artist who just recently struck out into the world, this “opportunity” presented the prospect of little work, high reward. Something that would buy me more time and allow me to help some people in my life who are struggling to make ends meet. It was just the kind of thing I’d been hoping might come along. 

So, my eyes got big and I jumped in before fully vetting the situation. Obviously, it was a mistake. One I won’t make again.

Although losing the money hurt, what may have hurt more was having my trust violated. I felt sick when it became apparent what had happened. In fact, just that morning, my meditation focused on not seeing people as a threat, but a resource. Believing that people are out here to help me, not hurt me. 

These are the kinds of deals I imagine well-resourced people have access to from time-to-time. The kind of non-traditional investment opportunities that make it possible for folks to live carefree lives. And it was coming from a public figure; someone I could trust.

On that note, let me say: I am a huge fan of Kenzo’s music. Personally, I find their music to be the most unique and appealing in Milwaukee. They’ve also demonstrated impressive accountability in context of recent allegations against a former collaborator. Kenzo went live on Instagram for hours to speak on the issue and answer questions from fans and followers. It’s the same type of standard to which I aspire, and I respect them for it.

As it was, I was left feeling like an outsider who’d not only lost time, money and trust but who wasn’t worth reaching out to or checking in on. I consider myself to be a strong person. But I am human, too. 

Sometimes, it can be hard to remember that people we look up to, despise or watch from afar are actually people. But that doesn’t make it any less true. I have feelings just like everyone else and I’m doing my best to heal from my own pain and trauma. 

So, I’d like to say: I’m sorry, Zed. 

I wish I’d been more trusting. I wish I’d reached out earlier. I wish I’d been more calm.

What I won’t apologize for is expressing myself. I believed every word I shared to be true at the time. And I updated the story as I learned more. 

All I want is for everyone to be protected.

That’s why I got in touch with a handful of Milwaukee reporters – to help us get the word out and keep anyone else from being harmed. Fox6 Milwaukee ended up running a story about the situation. Unfortunately, it seems the @zedkenzo Instagram account is still compromised.

So, please, be careful. The Internet is a wild, wild place. And, if something like this ever happens again, I beg you – don’t fall for it. If my experience can help save even one of you the pain and regret, that might just make this whole thing worth it.

You can follow the real Zed Kenzo at @omgzedkenzo or Facebook.com/ZEDKENZO. And, make sure to check out their music on Spotify.