Kentucky man named Tupac Shakur files for unemployment, sparking confusion, apology from governor

Pranksters using fake names are tying up the processing of unemployment claims in Kentucky, Gov. Andy Beshear said Monday, adding that one application even bore the name of late rapper Tupac Shakur.

But it turns out that a Kentucky man named Tupac Shakur really does exist – and he's seeking jobless benefits, according to the Lexington Herald-Leader.

Tupac Malik Shakur, 46, of Lexington, told the newspaper that he filed an unemployment claim March 13 after the restaurant where he worked, Alfalfa's and Lynagh's, closed amid the coronavirus pandemic. He still hasn't received any money, he said.

Shakur added that he was “hurt” that officials apparently believed his application was a joke.

"I'm really embarrassed, and I'm shocked," he told the Herald-Leader, which passed along Shakur's phone number to Beshear's office late Monday.

The next morning, Beshear called Shakur and apologized, according to the newspaper. The governor also issued a public apology during a news conference Tuesday.

Explore>> Watch the moment here

Gov. Beshear apologizes to a Kentucky resident named Tupac Shakur after falsely accusing him of unemployment fraud. pic.twitter.com/pWyauItlos
— The Recount (@therecount) April 28, 2020

Now, officials are reportedly working on processing Shakur’s application.

“I understand,” Shakur said of the confusion. “He’s dealing with a lot. Mistakes happen.”