court case

Gunna To Be Released From Jail After Pleading Guilty: Report

by

After several failed attempts at bond, Gunna just may be coming home. The rapper has remained incarcerated for most of 2022 after being arrested on RICO charges. Gunna, Young Thug, and two dozen of their purported associates are charged with being a part of a criminal organization: YSL. However, it has been contested that YSL is a record label, not a street gang.

Several celebrities have advocated for Gunna’s release, including Kim Kardashian. She emphasized that Gunna hasn’t been charged with a violent crime, therefore, he should be granted bail. His defense team tried effortlessly to obtain a bond for the rapper, but a judge repeatedly denied the requests.

MIAMI, FLORIDA – MAY 07: Gunna attends the TAG Heuer Miami Prix at Jungle Plaza on May 7, 2022 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by John Parra/Getty Images for TAG Heuer)
Read More: Gunna Shares Message On IG Story: “God Is Good”

Today (December 14), WSB-TV reported that Gunna “has pleaded guilty to a racketeering conspiracy charge,” but it is unclear when he will be released. He was reportedly in court today as he officially entered his “negotiated plea” or the “Alford plea.” The outlet described it as pleading “guilty on one charge because it was in his best interest while maintaining his innocence on the same charge.”

The “Pushin P” hitmaker’s deal means he was tacked with a five-year sentence, but it doesn’t look like Gunna will spend any time in jail. One year of his sentence was commuted to time served, and the remainder has been suspended. It’s reported that instead, Gunna will have to adhere to certain conditions including “500 hours of community service.”

Read More: Young Thug Receives More Charges As He & Gunna Await RICO Trial

The rapper released a statement:

“While I have agreed to always be truthful, I want to make it perfectly clear that I have NOT made any statements, have NOT been interviewed, have NOT cooperated, have NOT agreed to testify or be a witness for or against any party in the case and have absolutely NO intention of being involved in the trial process in any way.”

Meanwhile, Young Thug remains incarcerated. He was hit with several more charges in recent days. Thugger is slated for trial in early 2023.

[via]

Megan Thee Stallion Heckled At Courthouse, Takes The Stand

by

We’re not even 48 hours into the trial against Tory Lanez and it has already made for interesting revelations. Lanez is facing several felony accounts and stands accused of shooting Megan Thee Stallion in the foot in July 2020. The incident made international headlines and has become a divisive conversation within Hip Hop. The Canadian rapper-singer-producer insists he wasn’t the person who fired the shots, but Megan counters by doubling down that she saw him shoot her.

Opening statements occurred yesterday (December 13), and today, the Houston hitmaker was filmed entering the courthouse. A swarm of supporters of both sides assembled outside of the building, including a group who were holding a large banner in solidarity with Megan. However, not everyone was there to give her well wishes.

Read More: Megan Thee Stallion’s Ex-BFF Kelsey Named As Shooter By Tory Lanez Defense: Report

In one clip, as Megan is escorted by security, someone in the crowd is heard shouting at her. “Why you lyin’ on that boy?!” someone repeatedly yelled. She was silent as she entered the courthouse, but according to reports, she gave her truth while on the stand. It was stated that Megan was questioned for approximately 45 minutes and became “nervous,” saying she was still in disbelief that this was occurring.

“She entered court around 11:15 a.m. to shouts of support in the hallway,” wrote Los Angeles Times crime reporter James Queally. “Tory Lanez did not look at her when she entered.” He added that Megan testified the argument with Lanez began because she was ready to leave Kylie Jenner’s party. Lanez allegedly wasn’t ready to go and “had an attitude” when they got in the car.

Lanez told Megan, “You need to stop lying to your friend,” meaning Kelsey Harris. The rapper wanted out of the vehicle, but she couldn’t rush off because “I’m in the peak of being famous and I’m in a thong.”

Read More: Ben Simmons Reacts To Rumors He Slept With Megan Thee Stallion & Her Ex-BFF Kelsey

Megan told the court Lanez did stop and let her out of the vehicle. During the shooting, Megan says Lanez yelled “dance b*tch” and fired five times. “I’m in shock. I’m scared. I hear the gun going off. I can’t believe he’s shooting at me.”

“Asked why she didn’t report shooting to LAPD during the vehicle stop: ‘At this time we are at the height of police brutality… I felt if I said this man had shot me, they might shoot first and ask questions later,” reported Queally. “I don’t feel safe in the car, I don’t feel safe with the police.”

Megan added: “First of all in the Black community, in my community, it’s not really acceptable to be cooperating with police officers.” She also addressed Drake allegedly referencing the incident on Her Loss, suggesting Megan was lying.

“The whole situation in the industry is like a big boy’s club,” she reportedly testified. “Like I’m telling on one of y’all friends, now you’re all about to hate me.”

Check out more from Megan’s testimony about the incident with Lanez below.

[via]

Ben Simmons Reacts To Rumors He Slept With Megan Thee Stallion & Her Ex-BFF Kelsey

by

This trial has Hip Hop at attention, and more is being revealed about Tory Lanez, Megan Thee Stallion…and Ben Simmons. In July 2020, Megan was injured during an altercation in Hollywood Hills. She later came forward to allege that Lanez, her former friend, shot her in the foot. He denied the allegations, and during the opening statements of his trial, Lanez’s defense team contested that Kelsey Nicole Harris is the person responsible.

According to several reports that emerged today (December 12), the defense argues that Harris and Megan got into a verbal argument while inside an SUV with Lanez. He was said to have revealed he had a sexual relationship with Megan, causing a fight between the ladies. Lanez reportedly dated Harris some time prior.

Read More: Megan Thee Stallion’s Ex-BFF Kelsey Named As Shooter By Tory Lanez Defense: Report

Additionally, the defense team claims during this spat, Harris wasn’t surprised. She allegedly said Megan did this in the past—having sex with men she dated, including DaBaby and Ben Simmons.

After the information went viral, The Shade Room returned with a report of its own. They claim they spoke with a “source” who accused Lanez and his defense team of lying because Harris doesn’t know Simmon “at all.”

The public has weighed in heavily on the new revelations from both the prosecution and the defense during opening statements. Yet, people were tuned as they waited for Simmons’ reaction.

Read More: Tory Lanez & Megan Thee Stallion Trial Officially Underway

The NBA baller didn’t outright release a statement about allegedly having sex with the ex-best friends. However, he uploaded a clip of Rick Ross to his Instagram Story where the Florida icon yelled, “Accusations! False accusations!”

Meanwhile, the prosecution claims that not only did Lanez shoot Megan, but he punched Harris. They also state they have audio of a jail call from Lanez to Harris where he apologized.

Megan is reportedly set to testify this week. Harris will take the stand, as well, as a witness for the prosecution.

Nick Carter Responds To Rape Allegation From Woman With Cerebral Palsy

by

As Nick Carter mourns the death of his brother, he now faces serious allegations of sexual assault. Last month, Nick’s younger brother Aaron Carter passed away just one month ago, and investigators continue to await toxicology reports. Meanwhile, a 39-year-old woman has sued Nick Carter for an alleged incident that she claims occurred in 2001 on a Backstreet Boys tour bus.

Shannon “Shay” Ruth with cerebral palsy and autism reportedly filed a sexual battery lawsuit against the music icon. She alleges that Carter raped her in Tacoma, Washington, after plying her with alcohol when she was 17 years old.

Read More: Backstreet Boys’ Nick Carter Accused Of Rape; Denies Allegations

CNN reports in Ruth’s lawsuit, she states she was “picked out of a line of autograph seekers.” Then, she was invited to spend time with Carter on the tour bus. It was there that she says she was given “VIP juice,” assuming it was “cranberry juice and alcohol.” Ruth says she later learned she was diagnosed with the sexually transmitted disease HPV, or the Human Papillomavirus.

“The last 21 years have been filled with pain, confusion, frustration, shame, and self-harm that are a direct result of Nick Carter raping me,” she said during a press conference.

In light of the allegations, ABC has canceled their upcoming television special A Very Backstreet Holiday. Additionally, Carter responded to the accusation with denials.

(Photo by Jean-Paul Aussenard/WireImage)
Read More: Aaron Carter Accuses Brother, Nick, Of Sexually Assaulting A 91-Year-Old

“This claim about an incident that supposedly took place more than 20 years ago is not only legally meritless but also entirely untrue,” the singer said in a statement. “Unfortunately, for several years now, Ms. Ruth has been manipulated into making false allegations about Nick – and those allegations have changed repeatedly and materially over time.”

This isn’t the first time that Nick Carter has been accused of sexual assault. In 2017, singer Melissa Schuman also accused Carter of raping her when she was 15. He denied those allegations, as well. Carter’s late brother also publicly came forward to accuse the Backstreet Boys star of sexually assaulting multiple women. The siblings later reconciled before Aaron’s passing.

[via]

Friends Of Takeoff’s Alleged Killer Patrick Clark Think He’s Being “Framed”

by

A popular Houston DJ has been arrested in connection with Takeoff’s death, and now friends of Patrick Xavier Clark are speaking out. The Migos star was killed in the early morning hours of November 1 while at a private event. A verbal disagreement ensued, and sadly, Takeoff was shot and killed. Police stated that the rapper was an innocent bystander who was struck by stray bullets.

As Hip Hop continues to mourn the late star, the investigation into his death continues. Takeoff was in a room of upward of 30 people when he was killed, but police claim they are struggling with finding witnesses who will cooperate. Nevertheless, arrests have been made, but Clark has denied responsibility.

Read More: Takeoff Update: Alleged Killer Wants Judge To Help Fund Defense

The Daily Beast reportedly also caught up with people who knew Clark personally, including rapper Jmali. According to the artist, DJ Pat wasn’t a violent person.

“You could see by the reactions of everyone that we’re shocked because that’s not the type of person [Clark] is,” Jmali said. “He was about business, not violence.”

“Pat was similar to Takeoff in that he was quiet and just went about his business,” the rapper added. “That’s why this is so surprising to everyone here.”

Read More: Suspect In Takeoff’s Murder Case Is “Nervous” & Concerned”: Report

Additionally, a friend of Clark’s, who reportedly wanted to remain anonymous, told TDB they believed he was being “framed” for Takeoff’s murder. They also didn’t think Clark would “jeopardize” himself and his life’s work.

“I know him. He’s not like that. I honestly feel like they got the wrong guy,” a person told the outlet. “He doesn’t get mad or hostile. He’s very nice and thoughtful. That’s all I have to say. I feel he is being framed.”

Prosecutors believe otherwise and allege Clark wanted to flee to Mexico as the investigation heated up.

Read More: Takeoff’s Alleged Murderer Planned Mexico Trip Before Arrest 

Cameron Joshua was also arrested in connection with the incident, however, he faces a firearm charge. Investigators don’t believe Joshua had anything to do with Takeoff’s death, but he has been tacked for “carrying a weapon illegally at the party.”

[via]

Tory Lanez Case: Detective Who Was “Key Witness” Won’t Testify: Report

by

We’re sure your timelines are cluttered with updates about the case involving Megan Thee Stallion and Tory Lanez. The news filters in real-time as the trial date approaches next week. In July 2020, an incident occurred outside a Hollywood Hills mansion. Megan alleged her former friend shot her in the foot, and quickly, the allegations became the talk of pop culture. However, Lanez has repeatedly denied the accusations as he heads to trial. The rapper-singer faces several felony charges, including his newly added discharge of a weapon count.

Nancy Dillon, a senior reporter for Rolling Stone, has been keeping the world updated about Lanez’s case since its onset. She offered information via Twitter and, earlier today, returned with more news. “Tory Lanez Trial Update: LAPD Det. Ryan Stogner ‘relieved of duty’ in last month,” she wrote.

Read More: Tory Lanez’s Lawyer Is “Confident” Rapper Will Win Megan Thee Stallion Case

Dillon added, “Prosecutors reveal in court Lanez’s atty George Mgdesyan says on the record the ‘underlying’ reason for dismissal was a DV allegation.” However, “Prosecutors say no charges filed & they won’t call him @ trial.”

“Mgdesyan says Stogner, who was the investigating officer who interviewed Megan The Stallion after the shooting, is a critical witness for the defense. He told court he plans to call him under the theory Stogner ‘botched’ the investigation. Judge says he would allow.”

Reports stated that the defense team plans to call Kris Jenner’s partner Corey Gamble and daughter Kylie Jenner as witnesses. Just before the shooting, Megan, Lanez, and Jenner appeared together on Instagram Live as they partied at the mansion and enjoyed its swimming pool. It is unclear what Jenner may have witnessed, but the rumors have been unending.

Read More: Tory Lanez Tweets Bible Verses Following Megan Thee Stallion Hearing

It has also been reported that Kelsey Nicole, Megan’s former best friend, may take the stand as a witness for the prosecution. Kelsey was at the scene when the shooting occurred, but as the years progressed, she has had a tense relationship with the rapper. The two were once close, but their fallout played out for social media audiences. Megan publicly suggested that her ex-BFF remained silent about what happened because she allegedly took a bribe from Lanez’s camp. Kelsey denies the accusations.

On Twitter, Lanez seems confident that the trial will vindicate him.

Tory Lanez Tweets Bible Verses Following Megan Thee Stallion Hearing

by

After over two years of speculation, the world is about to discover what may have happened between Megan Thee Stallion and Tory Lanez. The former friends were once thick as thieves; however, an incident in July 2020 would change their lives forever. It was then that Megan was injured outside of a Hollywood Hills mansion as Lanez was arrested. She later came forward to accuse Lanez of shooting her in the foot—a charge he denied since the onset.

This week, Lanez received an additional charge of negligent discharge of a firearm. He already faced charges of assault with a semiautomatic firearm and carrying a loaded and unregistered firearm, according to TMZ. Hours ago, he returned to Twitter with what he called his “last tweet,” and it once again divided pop culture.

Read More: Tory Lanez Faces 3rd Felony Charge In Megan Thee Stallion Case: Report

“I’m going to leave this here one more time …and watch how it ages,” the singer-rapper wrote. “NO WEAPON FORMED AGAINST ME SHALL PROSPER … AND EVERY TONGUE THAT RISES AGAINST ME IN JUDGEMENT SHALL BE CONDEMNED u sit and watch now …. And don’t ever question the GOD I serve again . This is my last tweet.”

Lanez’s supporters interpreted this as his way of saying he was confident that the trial would end in his favor. There has been a divide, especially within Hip Hop culture, about this case. Megan has repeatedly stated that Lanez, and no one else, was her assailant. However, with Lanez’s adamant enthusiasm that he did not pull the trigger, others have deemed the Houston rapper a liar.

Read More: Tory Lanez & Prince From “Love & Hip-Hop” Settle Alleged Assault Cases

This is a trial that many have been waiting for, if not just to hear the end of the ongoing saga. DJ Akademiks has been vocal for years as he seemingly sides with Lanez in this court battle. He has claimed to have looked at court documents and alleges that Megan isn’t telling the truth.

The trial is set to begin next week. Check back with us as we continue to cover updates about the case.

[via]

Suspect In Takeoff’s Murder Case Is “Nervous” & Concerned”: Report

by

The shocking death of Takeoff is still felt throughout Hip Hop, but prosecutors believe they found his killer in Patrick Xavier Clark. Arrests have been made in connection to the untimely death of the Migos star, but Clark denies he’s responsible. It was in the wee morning hours of November 1 when Takeoff attended a private party at a Houston bowling alley. A verbal argument ensued and shots were fired, striking the beloved rapper in the head and back. It has been reported by investigators that Takeoff wasn’t involved in the disagreement.

Meanwhile, Clark made his first court appearance this week, where his attorney argued on his behalf. Although Clark didn’t say a word during the hearing, lawyer Letitia Quinones told the judge he was “nervous” and “concerned.” This was because “he’s being charged with something that he believes he’s innocent of, so how would anyone do in that type of circumstance?”

Read More: Takeoff’s Murder Suspect’s Bond Set At $2 Million

In recent press conferences, police have pleaded with the public to help with acquiring information about the case. Although it was stated that upwards of 30 people were in the room when Takeoff was killed, investigators still struggle to find cooperative witnesses.

Additionally, two other people, a man and a woman, sustained gunshot wounds during the incident, but they weren’t life-threatening. The relationship between Clark and Takeoff is unknown; however, the suspect is widely recognized as DJ Pat.

Quinones was questioned about Clark and Takeoff’s connection. “We really don’t want to go into the facts at this point,” she said. Quinones added that this was all a “tragedy and it’s happening well too often in our communities.”

Read More: Takeoff’s Alleged Murderer Planned Mexico Trip Before Arrest 

“There is a lot of investigation that needs to be done,” she stated. “So, we just ask that everyone keep an open mind and let the system do its part and let the Constitution do its part, and that is, right now, he’s innocent until he’s proven guilty.”

The attorney also denied that her client was attempting to flee to Mexico. It was reported that Clark filed for an emergency passport and was arrested with a large sum of cash.

[via]

Lil Zay Osama Arrested After Leaving Gun In An Uber: Report

by

This is an unfortunate turn of events for Lil Zay Osama. As the industry descends on Atlanta for the BET Hip Hop Awards, Zay was in Queens, New York, catching an Uber on what was expected to be a problem-free day. However, the rapper found himself arrested—and not only that, he reportedly was on Livestream when approached by the police.

According to the New York Post, Lil Zay Osama and “several associates” were passengers in a Uber ride that reportedly traveled from a hotel to a recording studio.

During the ride, the driver was said to have seen Zay handling a firearm, and when the rapper got out of the vehicle, he reportedly left “a .40 caliber Glock” behind.

The driver called the police and gave the names of the passengers, resulting in the authorities learning that Lil Zay Osama had a previous weapons conviction, among other charges on his record. The firearm was tested and it showed that the gun was modified to fire “more than one round with a single trigger pull.”

A round was reportedly in the chamber and nine others in the magazine. Investigators alleged that the firearm functioned much like a machine gun.

“The defendant — a convicted felon —carried a loaded pistol affixed with a switch device, rendering the gun to be a machine gun,” said Assistant U.S. Attorney Rebecca Schuman. “The defendant poses a danger to the community based on his

Lil Zay Osama has been charged with possession of a machine gun and being a felon in possession of a firearm.

[via]

Kim Kardashian Advocates For Gunna’s Release

by

She has a proven track record of helping the incarcerated attain freedom, and Kim Kardashian looks to be advocating for Gunna’s release. The rapper has remained behind bars for months, following being named alongside Young Thug and several others in a massive RICO case in Georgia. The authorities claim that YSL is not a record label but a criminal street gang, however, both Thugger and Gunna’s teams have stated otherwise.

When it was first announced that the two rappers were taken into custody, people began sending Kardashian public pleas to help in their release.

It was recently shared that Gunna reportedly filed paperwork for a 3rd bond hearing. In the documents, his legal team argued that there wasn’t sufficient evidence to continue to hold him, and as that information circulated, Kardashian shared a message on her Instagram Story.

“Gunna has reportedly been dropped from any violence acts and hasn’t been named by any of the witnesses,” the post reads. “He’s spent 141 days in jail so far and will have a 3rd attempt at bond soon.”

The upload was accompanied by an Instagram post that reads, “FREE GUNNA.”

It has been expected that Gunna would find his way home soon, and possibly most charges dropped, but conversations regarding Young Thug’s case are more ominous. Investigators have named him as the head of YSL and alleged that the Rap icon has been personally responsible for calling shots on illegal activities. One issue that is continuously mentioned is Thugger’s animosity with YFN Lucci, as authorities claimed that Thugger was involved in an attack on Lucci behind bars.

Both Thugger and Gunna have denied the allegations against them. They are reportedly slated to go to trial early next year.