EXCLUSIVE: Principal speaks out about Fetty Wap video uproar

Anthony Johnson Image
Monday, August 29, 2016
EXCLUSIVE: Principal speaks up about Fetty Wap video uproar
Anthony Johnson has the exclusive from Harlem.

PATERSON, New Jersey (WABC) -- For the first time, Eyewitness News spoke to the high school principal in New Jersey who landed in hot water over a Fetty Wap rap video filmed inside his school.

The video made by Paterson rap star Fetty Wap touched off a firestorm because it was shot inside Eastside High School and focused on drugs, alcohol and sex.

As a result, Principal Zatiti Moody was suspended the entire summer for violating school policy.

But, he says he received proper approval from his superiors to allow the production.

"I have evidence and proof to show that I did not violate the policy," Moody said.

The principal has stacks of documents he says show he did everything by the books.

The drawings of drugs and alcohol in the video and the shots of a woman on a pole were all added in post-production editing.

But some felt this video sent a negative message about Paterson schools.

"There were never any drugs or alcohol inside Eastside High School, I made sure of it," Moody said.

Students have been supportive of Mr. Moody. A report recommends putting a letter in his personnel file, but the principal is not letting it go that easy.

"I'm really disappointed. Most people look at me and thought that this was a slap on the wrist, a letter in your file, but the truth of the matter is I did not violate the policy," Moody said.

Mr. Moody wants an open face-to-face with the superintendent to discuss his case and take any and all questions about this video which caused such an uproar.

He also believes Fetty Wap and his manager who also from Paterson deserves an explanation.

"I was treated unfairly and so were they. These young people just wanted to give back to their community," Moody said.