court case

Tory Lanez Lawyer Allegedly Accuses Legal Consultant Of Recording Hearing

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The last thing Tory Lanez needs is more controversy, but a hiccup in court put his new attorney in the spotlight. Recently, it was shared that Lanez was switching things up by ridding himself of his former legal counsel. As George Mgdesyan exited, David Kenner was added to the roster, among others. Kenner counts Suge Knight and Snoop Dogg as former clients, and he will be representing Lanez in his appeal.

The singer was newly found guilty on three counts related to the 2020 shooting involving Megan Thee Stallion. New hearings regarding Lanez’s sentencing have taken place, and it was also shared he will return to court to learn his fate on February 28.

Read More: Judge Delays Tory Lanez Sentencing Date By A Month

Additionally, today (January 11), the rapper’s latest mugshot surfaced. Despite looking at upwards of 22 years in prison, Lanez was all smiles in the image.

Further, a legal consultant and StreetTV founder Alex A. Alonso Villegas tweeted that he had a run-in with Kenner at the courthouse.

“I was falsely accused of recording #ToryLanez hearing this afternoon by attorney David Kenner,” he wrote. “But after I voluntarily allowed the search of my phone the deputy told Judge Herriford that there was nothing on my phone.

He also added, “This is one of the messiest and ghetto trials I ever witnessed.” Once the confusion was settled, Kenner reportedly offered up an explanation.

ATLANTA, GA – DECEMBER 15: Tory Lanez performs at V103 Winterfest at State Farm Arena on December 15, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia.(Photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)
Read More: Tory Lanez’s New Attorney Says He Didn’t Represent Suge Knight During Hit-And-Run Case

“After the court looked into my phone and saw that I had no recorded contents of #ToryLanez hearing on Tuesday, his new attorney, David Kenner, told me after in the hallway that three people told him that it was me recording. 🤷🏾‍♂️ Go figure.”

Check out Villegas’s tweets below.

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Andrew Tate Ordered To Remain In Prison On Rape & Trafficking Charges

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Self-proclaimed misogynist Andrew Tate will remain behind bars for the next 30 days, a court has ruled. Tate and his brother Tristan were arrested related to an investigation into organized crime, rape, and sex trafficking. The social media influencer also has millions of followers across his platforms, and police claim he used his popularity for nefarious deeds.

At least six women were reportedly held at the brothers’ compound, where police claim they were made to create pornographic content. A court ruled to extend Tate’s prison sentence for 30 days as the investigation into his alleged crimes continues.

BUCHAREST, ROMANIA – JANUARY 10: Andrew Tate (L) and Tristan Tate leave the Bucharest Court of Appeal after the hearing on their appeal to the decision of arrest for 30 days, on January 10, 2023 in Bucharest, Romania. British-US former professional kickboxer and controversial influencer Andrew Tate and brother Tristan Tate attend the hearing on their appeal against pre-trial detention for alleged human trafficking, rape and forming a criminal organisation. (Photo by Andreea Campeanu/Getty Images)
Read More: Andrew Tate Sparks Concern With “Matrix” Tweet Following Hospital Visit From Jail

In addition to the brothers, two women reported as their assistants were also arrested. According to The Associated Press, “the Bucharest Court of Appeal rejected all four appeals against a judge’s Dec. 30 decision to grant prosecutors’ request to extend the arrest period.”

It was noted that a judge was concerned about them being flight risks. Additionally, over a dozen of Andrew’s luxury cars were seized by the authorities. Their worth was in the millions.

Read More: Andrew Tate Allegedly Branded Women With “Owned By Tate” Tattoos

Although the brothers’ arrest was initially believed to be because of Andrew trolling Greta Thunberg on Twitter, police say otherwise. Authorities later claimed they were tracking the Tates for months as their pieced together their investigation.

It is alleged that the purported victims in this case were first coerced under the pretenses of a romantic relationship. Then, they were “intimidated,” held against their will, kept under surveillance, and “subjected to other control tactics.”

Check out a report about one of the alleged victims below.

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YSL Case: Juror Reportedly Skipped Court For Dominican Republic Trip

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As if this case couldn’t take another twist, a juror in the YSL trial involving Young Thug has come under fire. Jury selection has been an arduous process, as a reported 600 potential jurors have been questioned. Atlanta Journal-Constitution reporter Jozsef Papp has kept the public updated on the selection, and on Twitter, he shared an eyebrow-raising update about Juror #64.

According to Papp, much of today’s hearing in the YSL case focused on potential jurors hardships. Some were pardoned due to work or personal reasons, but others were pushed forward in the selection process.

Read More: YSL Trial: Potential Juror Tried To Contact Young Thug’s Attorney’s Law Firm

The second panel of 200 jurors was looked into, including a Paralympics athlete training for 2024. That person was reportedly excused from duty. Further, an APS teacher was denied, reported Papp, after stating she suffered from neck and back problems.

However, the more startling report was about Juror #64, who didn’t show up to the hearing at all.

“We are getting update on juror #64, who did report the first day last week but didn’t report yesterday,” Papp tweeted. “After deputies went to her address, she wasn’t there. Her grandmother told deputies she wasn’t there.”

Read More: Young Thug, YSL RICO Case Could Last 6 To 9 Months: Report

“Deputies were able to get in contact with her,” he continued. “And she told them she was in the Dominican Republic and won’t return until tomorrow night.”

“Judge Glanville said she wants her taken to jail or to his courtroom, if court is still in session, upon her return to Atlanta.”

Meanwhile, as the jurors were questioned, reports state the judge advised them that the YSL case could take six to nine months. Additionally, eight of Young Thug’s co-defendants, including Gunna, have already taken plea deals.

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Tory Lanez Sentencing Possibly Delayed Until February

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His guilty verdict may have been delivered, but Tory Lanez isn’t giving up the fight for his freedom. The singer was recently found guilty of three counts related to the 2020 shooting involving Megan Thee Stallion. Lanez has maintained his innocence throughout, but a jury of his peers believed otherwise. Megan has shied away from the public since the conclusion of the trial. Since revealing she was shot following a party at Kylie Jenner’s home, the Traumazine rapper has been ridiculed by Lanez’s supporters.

Yesterday (January 10), Rolling Stone court reporter Nancy Dillon shared that Lanez would return to court today. She stated this hearing was centered on the rapper retaining a new lawyer, David Kenner, following the exit of George Mgdesyan.

Read More: Tory Lanez’s New Attorney Says He Didn’t Represent Suge Knight During Hit-And-Run Case

Kenner famously represented Suge Knight in the 1990s in a robbery case.

“Tory’s dad, Sonstar Peterson, is here with his wife as well. We’re still waiting to go in,” Dillon reported. “Sonstar got very emotional at the conviction and shouted at the prosecutors before he was escorted out of the building.”

“Emotional” is an understatement, as videos of Sonstar went viral after he erupted in the courtroom during Lanez’s verdict. He swore to take down Roc Nation, as well, for their alleged involvement in the case.

Read More: Tory Lanez Ex-Lawyer Explains Exit: “I Don’t Do Appeals”

Meanwhile, Dillon added that there was confusion this morning regarding Lanez being transported to the court. Initial reports claimed he “refused” the ride, but it was later revealed there was an issue with his wristband.

Additionally, it looks like Lanez’s sentencing has been delayed.

“Sounds like there’s an agreement to postpone Tory Lanez’s sentencing a month so Kenner can file the motion for new trial,” Dillon wrote. “That would push sentencing to late February. Waiting for judge to approve this on the record.”

Read through a few more tweets from Nancy Dillon below.

Young Thug, YSL RICO Case Could Last 6 To 9 Months: Report

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As one case ends, Young Thug and the RICO case against YSL is underway. We recently saw the dramatic conclusion of Tory Lanez’s shooting trial. As updates about his sentencing unfold on social media, jury selection for Young Thug’s case has taken over headlines. We’ve steadily reported on the plea deals eight of Young Thug’s associates have agreed to in recent months. Gunna was the most notable for taking a plea, admitting in court that YSL is a criminal street gang, and earning his freedom before the holidays.

Meanwhile, Thugger remains incarcerated as prosecutors have named him as the alleged leader of YSL. There have been reports stating Young Thug will not be offered a plea, and instead, investigators are targeting him specifically.

Read More: Young Thug’s Jury Selection Begins Today In RICO Trial

It’s reported that approximately 600 potential jurors have already been vetted, and the experience has been tiring. The questionnaire candidates filled out was shared online, as was information about the hardships they would face if called on.

As expected, many were immediately dismissed. The judge clarified that this trial could last between six to nine months, as there are 14 co-defendants.

Read More: Reese LAFLARE Reacts To News Outlet Using His Photo Instead Of Young Thug’s

Meanwhile, Gunna has been taking hits from the public—and a few of his peers—since his release. His attorney said the rapper wouldn’t be testifying against Thug, but that hasn’t quelled the criticism. Most recently, Tony Yayo also questioned Gunna’s first day out after the “Pushin P” rapper was filmed leaving jail and getting into a Maybach with a woman.

Despite the pushback, Gunna’s supporters have defended his choice. Also, heck out more from the courtroom in the YSL case above and Gunna returning to freedom below.

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Ja Morant Sued For Attacking Teen, NBA Star Claims Self-Defense: Report

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An altercation that reportedly occurred over the summer is at the center of a lawsuit against Ja Morant. The Memphis Grizzlies star has been named in a lawsuit that claims Morant attacked a 17-year-old during a basketball game at his home in Tennessee.

According to TMZ, the NBA star hosted the pickup game at his residence on July 26. It was stated that during the game, a verbal argument ensued and soon escalated.

Ja Morant
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – DECEMBER 31: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies brings the ball up court during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at FedExForum on December 31, 2022 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
Read More: Ja Morant Shows Off Gorgeous New Nike Ja 1 Colorway

TMZ claims the court documents are sealed, but they were able to finesse a few details from the police. The victim reportedly said things turned sour after he “accidentally” hit the baller in the face with the basketball. The teen suggested he only tried to toss the ball to Morant, not hurt him.

However, Morant allegedly didn’t see it as a mistake. According to the teen, the NBA star “approached him, put his chin on his shoulder, and asked a bystander ‘Should I do it to him?’”

Then, Morant allegedly struck him “with a closed fist, knocking him to the ground.”

The purported victim also claimed that while on the ground, the basketball star “continued sticking him.” Another man, alleged to be Morant’s brother, “jumped in and began hitting him as well.” When police responded to the scene, it was noted that the teen had a “large knot” on his head.

Ja Morant
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE – JANUARY 01: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies brings the ball up court during the game against the Sacramento Kings at FedExForum on January 01, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
Read More: Ja Morant To Debut New Nike Shoe in Christmas Game

When speaking with the Grizzlies star, the baller admitted to hitting the teen. However, he claimed he was only retaliating in self-defense. He said his accuser threw the basketball at him out of anger during an argument and “began to approach him as if he wanted to fight.”

He also told the authorities that the teen threatened to “light his house up” while being removed from the residence. Morant claimed his family didn’t feel safe and “were put in fear” that something dangerous would occur.

It is unclear what damages the teen is seeking.

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Chrisean Rock’s Brother Arrested For 1st Degree Attempted Murder: Report

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It isn’t just Blueface and Chrisean Rock‘s romance that concerns the public. The volatile couple has commanded attention since their inception, but things have only spiraled as the years progress. Arrests, domestic violence incidents, and physical fights with family members have occurred. As their saga plays out on social media and the couple’s Zeus reality series, news is also surfacing about Chrisean Rock’s brother.

On Crazy in Love, viewers witnessed Blueface go to war against Rock’s family. However, Chrisean is dealing with more than just her relatives disliking her boyfriend now that her brother has reportedly been arrested for attempted murder.

ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 04: Chriseanroc performs at Atlanta Black Pride Weekend Pure Heat Community Festival at Piedmont Park on September 4, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)
Read More: Chrisean Rock’s Brother Calls Her & Blueface Broke 

A report by FOX Baltimore stated that 31-year-old Obadiah Malone, known as “Mookie,” was arrested this week. Additionally, police confirmed that Malone was taken into custody in connection with a shooting that occurred on October 10.

It was around 8:45 p.m. that day in Baltimore when officers “were called to investigate a shot spotter alert.”

Read More: Blueface & Chrisean Rock Are In A “Forced Ass Relationship,” She Says

When they arrived at the scene, it was stated that they found “evidence of a shooting.” Not long after, police were also told that a shooting victim had just walked into a hospital to be treated for injuries.

The investigation led police to Malone, but it is unclear how he is tied to the 39-year-old victim. Malone was reportedly charged with first-degree attempted murder.

ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 04: Chriseanroc and Blueface attend Atlanta Black Pride Weekend Pure Heat Community Festival at Piedmont Park on September 4, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)

Neither Chrisean nor Malone have issued statements regarding the charges or allegations.

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Tory Lanez Apology Call Sealed His Fate, Suggests Meghann Cuniff

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The verdict may have been handed down in the Tory Lanez case, but that doesn’t mean conversations have dissipated. The singer-rapper was found guilty on charges related to the 2020 shooting involving Megan Thee Stallion, real name Megan Pete. Lanez has adamantly denied responsibility, even after Megan named him as the person who shot her in her feet.

The two-week trial was filled with surprises, especially after Megan’s former best friend Kelsey Harris took the stand. Although she pleaded the fifth and denied remembering much, prosecutors played their interview with her for the court. The exchange took place in September 2022, and in it, Harris gave precise details that often mirrored Megan’s account.

ATLANTA, GA – JUNE 16: Tory Lanez performs at Birthday Bash 2018 at Cellairis Amphitheatre at Lakewood on June 16, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia.(photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)
Read More: Slim Thug Says Tory Lanez Should’ve “Been Humble” With Megan Thee Stallion 

However, Lanez’s supporters do not believe that justice was served. According to them, there wasn’t any evidence to secure a guilty verdict. Additionally, they believe there weren’t witnesses to place him as the shooter. However, both Harris and Megan stated they saw Lanez shoot the gun, as did the person who witnessed the incident from their bedroom.

During the trial, Law & Crime reporter Meghann Cuniff was in the courtroom and each day offered detailed updates via Twitter. She developed a reputation as “Meghann The Reporter” and was hailed for giving her straightforward updates about the ongoings of the prosecution and defense.

Read More: Kodak Black Defends Tory Lanez After Guilty Verdict

A clip of an interview with Cuniff has gone viral this week, and in it, she laid some rumors to rest. Although there was speculation regarding what could have sealed Lanez’s fate, Cuniff claims it was the rapper’s apology call to Harris that caused the jury to lean toward a guilty verdict.

“[The most significant piece of evidence] for me was the apology,” said Cuniff. “And we didn’t actually hear a whole lot about that during trial because, I think, prosecutors just kinda figured why bother. They played it in opening, they got it in evidence from somebody within the jail. And then, it kinda seemed like it was on the defense to try to explain that away.”

Read More: Yung Joc Shaves His Head Following Tory Lanez Guilty Verdict

Cuniff admitted that although Lanez “didn’t mention a shooting or a gun in the call,” there wasn’t anything else anyone could say the call was about.

“They went through it line by line, focused on how he was asking about how Meg was in the hospital. This is his apology call to Kelsey. And we never really seemed to hear much about that from the defense at trial.”

Lanez is scheduled to face his sentencing in the coming weeks. He is looking at upwards of 22 years in prison.

YFN Lucci Reportedly Named As Witness In Young Thug Case

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The tension between YFN Lucci and Young Thug was well documented on social media and in lyrics. The two Georgia rappers were, at a time, enjoying their freedom, but they both found themselves in trouble with the law. Lucci was arrested in connection to murder and racketeering charges, but while in jail, he was reportedly stabbed. Later, after Thugger was detained in the YSL RICO case, it was suggested that he was responsible.

As Young Thug continues denying culpability in the alleged crimes, others named in the RICO indictment are copping to plea deals. The seventh person to reportedly agree to a plea deal was named this week. After pleading guilty to a racketeering charge, Gunna enjoyed the holidays with his family.

Young Thug, YFN Lucci
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – MARCH 25: Rapper Young Thug attends the game between Golden State Warriors and the Atlanta Hawks at State Farm Arena on March 25, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)
Read More: Young Scooter: Young Thug “Gone Be Home Before Summer”

Meanwhile, it has been stated that the District Attorney isn’t necessarily targeting the two dozen alleged YSL associates. According to reports, the authorities have named Thug as the leader of YSL as a criminal organization.

There have been conversations regarding using his lyrics against him during the trial. This would, of course, include Young Thug and Juice WRLD’s collaboration, “Bad Boy.”

During a Summer hearing, a prosecutor alleged that, on the track, Thug rapped about shooting at Lucci’s mother. This was an incident that did take place.

Read More: Antonio Sledge, Young Thug’s Co-Defendant, Enters Guilty Plea

“[Thug] got into a beef, if you will, with another rapper by the name of Rayshawn Bennett, also known as YFN Lucci,” an attorney told the court back in June.

“At some point, Lucci’s mother was shot at and the song comes out, ‘Bad Boy,’ that says, uh, let’s see… ’You better watch the way you breathe around me ‘fore that breath be your last boy, Smith & Wesson .45 put a hole in his heart, better not play with me, killers stay with me, I shot at his mommy now he no longer mention me.’”

It is unclear if Lucci will testify against Young Thug, but he has reportedly been named as a witness. It is unclear what he will say if called to testify.

Megan Thee Stallion’s Bodyguard Justin Edison “Surrendered” To Authorities

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After a week of speculation regarding Justin Edison, he surprisingly materialized today (December 23). The authorities have been attempting to locate Megan Thee Stallion’s bodyguard to no avail. However, ABC News reports Edison mysteriously reappeared after failing to show up to testify last Friday.

According to the outlet, “The family ‘surrendered’ Justin Edison on Friday, and prosecutors ‘are aware.’” Where he was remains a mystery for the time being, but insight was given about his return.

LOS ANGELES, CA – DECEMBER 13: Megan Thee Stallion whose legal name is Megan Pete arrives at court to testify in the trial of Rapper Tory Lanez for allegedly shooting her on Tuesday, Dec. 13, 2022 in Los Angeles, CA. (Jason Armond / Los Angeles Times via Getty Images)
Read More: Megan Thee Stallion’s Former Bodyguard Said Tory Lanez Apologized For Shooting: Report

“He was found and bench warrant was recalled,” Attorney Michael Zweiback said. Edison reportedly “came forward today because of what was happening to his family.”

The bodyguard’s father recently told Good Morning America that he hadn’t heard from Edison since last Thursday.

“My hope is that [Justin] comes forward so that he doesn’t assume the risks that we discussed before,” Harold Edison shared with GMA. “I explained to him that this is not worth the risk … we must maintain our integrity.” He also noted that a SWAT team entered his home and placed him in handcuffs. The District Attorney’s office declined to comment about the incident.

“I really want this to stop. This is a clear abuse of law enforcement,” Harold added.

Read More: Megan Thee Stallion’s Former Stylist Testifies, LA County DA Looking For Missing Ex-Bodyguard: Report

During the trial, text messages sent to Edison from Kelsey Harris were repeatedly mentioned. Immediately following the shooting, Harris reportedly texted the bodyguard, “Help Tory shot Meg 911.” However, Harris testified that she never saw Lanez shoot Megan and didn’t know why she sent the message to Edison.

Meanwhile, a verdict has been reached. Make sure to stay tapped in with us after it becomes public

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