Following her assault over the weekend, Gaza Kim has withdrawn herself from the Portmore Empire and changed her name.

In a release sent via her publicist, Rickardo Smith, Gaza Kim says: "I would like to make it known that upon legal advise I can hereby state that I, Gaza Kim, aka Kim Hamilton, seek to inform the public that I will be moving on with my music career under the name 'KYM'."

She continued: "Due to speculations about whether or not I'm a part of the popular crew and no official statement from the management team to detest those speculations I hereby humbly and proudly withdraw myself."

medical attention

In Tuesday's publication of THE STAR, it was reported that the female artiste was assaulted over the weekend in the community known as 'Big Yard', off Mannings Hill Road, St Andrew. Via a press release she confirmed that she was assaulted but did not give much details of the incident. However, she did state that she had to seek medical attention and was traumatised by the ordeal.

Afterwards, Portmore Empire's leader Vybz Kartel released a statement condemning the assault on the young singer.

"I do not condone violence, especially attacks against females and children. Gaza Kim is a young, talented singer who I hope will reach far in her musical endeavours. My deepest sentiments go out to her," he said in the release. But he did not state whether or not she was still part of the group.

In closing her statement, Gaza Kim says, "I must thank all the members of the Portmore Empire and specifically Adidja Palmer for his professional advise over the past eight to nine months. I look forward to working with professionals in the music fraternity."

She also said she has since released a new song called Leave Mi Nuh.

The singer was added to the Portmore Empire last year at 17 years old and hails from Christian Pen in Portmore.

She rose to popularity with the release of her first song in July, called Teenage Pregnancy, with Vybz Kartel. Since then, the singer has had other popular songs including, Twice My Age, another collaboration with Vybz Kartel, Bills on the Gogo Club rhythm with Lisa Hyper and Faithful with Sheba.

JAMAICA STAR