“Baby Skello” Remanded on Blasphemous Libel Charge 

June 13 2025

Local entertainer Daniel Wharton, popularly known as “Baby Skello,” has been remanded to prison after being formally charged with blasphemous libel in relation to a controversial song that triggered widespread public backlash.

The charge stems from a track released on social media in which Wharton made vulgar and offensive references to the Hindu deity Maha Lakshmi.

The lyrics drew immediate condemnation from religious and civil society groups, prompting the Ethnic Relations Commission (ERC) to intervene.

In response to mounting outrage, the ERC pledged to pursue all legal avenues under Guyana’s laws to address the matter.

The Commission also confirmed that it had engaged with relevant authorities to ensure that appropriate legal action was taken and accountability upheld.

Wharton appeared before Magistrate Judy Latchman at the Diamond Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday morning, where the charge was read.

He was not required to enter a plea and was remanded to prison until July 1, 2025, when the matter will be called again.