Drake ‘drone attack’ video shot in Sydney raises interest of Civil Aviation Safety Authority

The operation of a drone at Drake’s Sydney penthouse has raised the interest of the aviation safety regulator.

A publicity stunt by singer Drake at the Crown Hotel in Sydney has been shared on social media. Picture: X

A controversial video featuring Canadian rapper Drake reacting to a drone filming him at his top floor penthouse suite in Sydney’s Crown Towers Barangaroo has caught the interest of the aviation safety regulator.

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority has confirmed it is aware of the video, and reviews “all reports of unsafe drone operations”.

Under CASA regulations, it is illegal for recreational drone operators to fly the tiny aircraft within 30m of a person, or 120m above ground level. Crown Towers is Sydney’s tallest building, at 271m high.

Although the video at first appeared to be a breach of Drake’s privacy with the star throwing one of his $1500 yeezy slide shoes at the drone, a closer examination by viewers suggested it was merely a publicity stunt for gambling site Stake.

Not only did the video begin with a shot of a laptop displaying the site, but Drake later posted a still shot of him mid shoe throw, wearing a Stake shirt.

A publicity stunt by Drake at Crown Towers in Sydney could end badly for a drone operator. Picture: X

He captioned with Instagram post with: “the stakes are high but so am I”.

Drake was in the middle of his Australian tour when the video surfaced, but since then he has cancelled his remaining gigs and left the country in a private jet.

In 2024, the 38-year-old was the most streamed male Spotify artist, and the second most listened to overall behind Taylor Swift.

A CASA spokeswoman said they were unable to comment further due to privacy considerations.

The regulator encourages recreational drone users to find a location where they can safely fly their craft, using a CASA-verified drone safety app.

Some commercial operators are granted authorisation to conduct operations over or near people in a populous area or in restricted or controlled airspace.

Breaches of drone regulations can result in a warning and in more serious cases a $1650 fine.

More serious offences can attract penalties of up to $16,500 and a criminal conviction.

Originally published as Drake ‘drone attack’ video shot in Sydney raises interest of Civil Aviation Safety Authority