court trial Archives - New Hip Hop News

Ja Morant Did Act In Self-Defense During Pickup Game Gone Wrong, Says Judge Chumney

April 9, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Over the last year and change, Ja Morant’s NBA career has taken a turn for the worse. Of course, those issues have not just been on the court. Most know the Memphis Grizzlies star was suspended for 25 games after instances of waving guns on social media. However, he has also been dealing with lawsuit sent in by 17-year-old Joshua Holloway for assault, after a pickup game turned into a brawl. In late December 2023, Judge Carol Chumney said that a decision would not be made until 2024.

But according to Bleacher Report, we now have a massive update on it. Judge Chumney has come to the conclusion that Ja Morant did act in self-defense after Holloway threw the ball at him. The Tennessee judge said that Ja “enjoys a presumption of civil immunity” under the state’s self-defense immunity statute. Furthermore, the burden of proof now falls into the hands of Holloway’s legal team to try and change the ruling.

Ja Morant’s Name Is Partially Cleared After This Judge Ruling

Tennessee judge rules Ja Morant acted in self-defense when he punched a teenager during an altercation at a pickup basketball game in 2022

Full story: https://t.co/SEO0O9O7iw pic.twitter.com/LHqqkw4CB6

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) April 9, 2024

While he is not totally in the clear, he has to be feeling better. Ja was adamant that he only threw the punch first “to protect [himself]” after Holloway got in his face. Hopefully, all of these situations have helped Ja recover mentally so he can stay focused on hooping. Finally, there will be a trial later on instead of later this month.

What are your thoughts on the judge saying Ja Morant was using self-defense in the altercation with the teenager? Do you think he will wind up not being charged with any crimes, why or why not? Does this change your opinion on the Memphis Grizzlies star? Will he still have a successful NBA career? We would like to hear what you have to say, so be sure to leave your takes in the comments section. Additionally, always keep it locked in with HNHH for all of the latest news surrounding Ja Morant and this court case. Finally, stay with us for everything else going on around the world of sports.

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Plies Thirsts Over Fani Willis As District Attorney Answers Questions In Court

February 16, 2024 by newhiphopnews

If you’re caught the briefest lick of Plies online, you know how he loves to thirst over admirable women in pop culture, often to hilarious results. Moreover, he made the Internet light up with glee with his cheeky messages to Britney Spears, and his professions of love captured many hearts. However, the rapper doesn’t hold back either when it comes to his interest in politics… although he can’t help but thirst over someone when applicable. Furthermore, his most recent muse is Fulton County, Georgia’s District Attorney Fani Willis, who recently took the stand during a misconduct case about her alleged involvement with a prosecutor, campaign funding, the Trump 2020 election in Georgia, and more.

“Fani Willis F*ck That Case & Run For President!!!!” Plies expressed on Twitter earlier this week. “I’ll VP For U!!! I Want Fani To Free Thug But Outside of That. I Gotta See Bout Fani Willis! [heart-eyes emoji]. Ain’t Never Been This Turned On In My Life. I Know She Smell Good Too. Talk That Talk To Me Fani. U Ain’t Gotta Pay Me I’m Gone Pay U! I Know Fani ‘Wet Wet’. I Mean That In The Most Respectful Way! After Watching Fani Willis On the Stand!! I’m Turned On! I Know That Thang Good!!! Fani Hire Me I’l Work For FREE!!”

Fani Willis Testifies In Court; Plies Reacts

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Furthermore, beyond Plies’ passionate pleas of romance, there’s another element to this interaction that plays into another one of his online personality traits: hating Donald Trump. “Dear America: Why Aren’t Trump & MAGA Not Saying The ‘IOWA CAUCUS’ Was Rigged???” he asked on Twitter back in January when these results came out. “When They ‘WIN’ It’s Legit When They ‘LOSE’ It’s “Rigged”… VERY NASTY, DELUSIONAL & DISHONEST PEOPLE!!!” It’s a bit ironic because you could compare tweet styles between the two and it wouldn’t be so far off.

Regardless, the Florida native isn’t absent from the rap world and doesn’t just have this to entertain himself with. Boosie Badazz recently denied beef between them and looked back on their complicated history. We’ll see if other rappers indulge these thirsty remarks and commentary on our political world. On that note, keep checking in with HNHH for more news and the latest updates on Plies.

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Cardi B Comes Up In Star Brim’s Gang Trial For Racketeering

February 16, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Star Brim currently awaits sentencing in a New York court after pleading guilty to two racketeering charges in her case. Moreover, she asked her judge to give her no prison time on Wednesday (February 14), according to legal documents reportedly obtained by AllHipHop. Brim and her legal team made the case that she’s long moved on from being the “godmother” of the 5-9 Brims gang in the city. During these arguments, they brought up her close relationship with Cardi B as an example of her other ventures that prove that she’s learned from her mistakes. However, we’ll see how receptive the court is to this plea.

“Although Star clearly has a long history of arrests, she is somewhat unique in that she has always worked at low-paying jobs and has always supported herself independent of gang activities,” Star Brim’s attorney remarked to the judge. “She has never succumbed to the expected trappings of gang life, she never used or sold drugs or consumed alcohol. Despite having virtually no formal education, she obtained a GED in 2012. [She] has worked at a series of low-paying jobs since 2007. Since the birth of her child in early March 2020, Star has completely changed her life around.

Star Brim At A VMAs After Party in 2019

Star Brim Trial Gang Cardi B Hip Hop News — NEW YORK, NY – AUGUST 26: Star Brim attends MTV VMAs, Pepsi & Monami Entertainment celebrate the Video Vanguard Award honoree Missy Elliott at her after-party celebration on August 26, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Shareif Ziyadat/WireImage/Getty Images)

“She has matured and grown into a wonderful, caring mother who is essentially the sole provider for her child,” Star Brim’s lawyer went on. “She is devoted and hard-working. Like any parent, [she] wants the best for her child. She recognizes the very real likelihood of separation from JS. [That is] something that would be devastating if the Court imposes a jail sentence. Her child will necessarily have to live with his father, which would be a huge adjustment and undoubtedly traumatic. Star works hard at a number of different endeavors, to provide her child with the life she wants for him. Despite the obstacles that people with criminal convictions face as they try to enter the workforce, Star has worked continually since her release from prison in 2019… She is currently employed as a residential aide at a men’s shelter in Brooklyn.

“Her Instagram presence grew tremendously because of her friendship with Belcalis Almanzar, better known as Cardi B,” they added. “Throughout the years, Star has developed skin care products, advertised other products and became an ‘influencer.’ [That] has allowed her to earn additional income.” Brim gets sentenced on Wednesday (February 21) and hopes to receive probation. Furthermore, for more news and the latest updates on Star Brim and Cardi B, come back to HNHH.

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Jam Master Jay Trial Judge Denies Defense’s Motion For Mistrial

February 9, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The trial for the murder of Jam Master Jay over 20 years ago is ramping up at a steady pace, with witness testimonies, questioning, and more evidence. However, according to the Associated Press, it seems like it overcame its first major speed bump recently, as the defense motioned for a mistrial and alleged that the prosecution exhibited misconduct. Moreover, these accusations relate to prosecutors’ questioning of a witness, which defense attorneys believe planted “a seed of prejudice” in the proceeding. As the court discussed this on Thursday (February 8), the judge realized that, regardless, they could still stay on track.

Furthermore, Judge LaShann DeArcy Hall denied the defense’s motion for mistrial in New York on Thursday. While she chastised the prosecution for their lines of questioning, she let the trial go on as planned and believe it won’t affect the outcome of the case. What’s more is that Hall even told the jury to ignore prosecutors’ questions and focus solely on the main point at hand: the murder of Jam Master Jay. Previously, she ruled that lyrics will not be admissible as evidence in this trial, Many saw as a solid victory no matter the verdict, given the controversy surrounding this practice.

Jam Master Jay In 2001

Jam Master Jay Murder Trial Mistrial Denied Hip Hop News — Jam Master Jay of Run DMC performs on stage at the Respect Festival, Finsbury Park, London, United Kingdom, 2001. (Photo by Martyn Goodacre/Getty Images)

For those unaware, Karl Jordan Jr. and Ronald Washington are accused of carrying out the crime back in 2002. Washington’s ex-girlfriend Daynia McDonald testified on Thursday, adding to other emotional testimonies in the Jam Master Jay trial. She stated that Washington “basically said yes” when asked whether he was involved in the crime, and this is when the prosecution’s questioning got them in hot water. “Did he say he killed Jam Master Jay? Did he say that people get what they deserve?” they reportedly asked, which prompted the defense to claim misconduct. Nevertheless, McDonald endorsed both sentiments, and while the jury was out of the courtroom, Judge Hall reprimanded the prosecutors.

When the jury returned, she allowed for them to ask McDonald whether Washington “said anything else about [the] murder,” and she responded with “He just said that he killed him.” For what it’s worth, prosecutors claimed that witnesses would like out of fear of retaliation. So far at press time, nothing emerged to suggest that there were inconsistencies or faults in these testimonies. For more news and the latest updates on the Jam Master Jay trial, stay up to date on HNHH.

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Young Thug’s Lawyer Tries To Disprove Bloods Affiliation By Naming Other Artists Using Cs Rather Than Bs

February 9, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The RICO case against YSL, and Young Thug in particular, has referenced their musical output as a collective a lot over the past year and a half or so. Moreover, one of their co-founders recently tried to provide evidence of its leader’s “Truly Humble Under God” moniker during a testimony. On Thursday (February 8), it was defense attorney Brian Steel’s turn to defend Thugger’s music and highlight how the prosecution is wrong for using it as a basis for their arguments. While questioning a witness during a court hearing, he specifically brought up rappers and artists who use Cs instead of Bs, mentioning Meek Mill, Post Malone, and more.

If that sounds odd to you, here’s the breakdown: the prosecution had suggested that Young Thug is a member of the Bloods gang, who say Bs instead of Cs so they don’t reference their rival gang, the Crips. As such, Brian Steel wanted to not only call out a double standard here, but also prove that the Atlanta rapper is not the only artist who uses language in this manner. It’s part of a larger defense that aims to separate his art -– and that of the rest of YSL -– from the actual crimes that they are accused of. It’s been a tough battle so far, yet one with no end in sight with plenty of room to turn hopeful or despondent in a matter of seconds.

Brian Steel Tries To Disprove Young Thug’s Association With Bloods: Watch

Young Thug’s lawyer lists rappers who use Cs instead of Bs while questioning witness pic.twitter.com/llb9IRX9ZG

— HipHopDX (@HipHopDX) February 8, 2024

Meanwhile, old footage concerning this case also surfaced recently, which caught fans’ interest. This is of a police search authorities conducted in Young Thug’s jail cell back in June of 2022, and it’s hard to believe it’s been this long with no result or verdict. Nevertheless, many fans pointed out how he seemed to have a lot of books and magazines in his cell, which was a heartening sign for some that he was staying entertained and stimulated while behind bars. The “Metro Spider” lyricist surely had to make some staggering day-to-day life adjustments to cope with prison time.

However, not everything surrounding him in the headlines these days relates strictly to his court case. For example, the 32-year-old’s romantic history recently came up again in the news thanks to multiple interactions and gossip about current and past flames. Hopefully the RICO trial itself keeps moving forward, regardless of what people are talking about. With that in mind, log back into HNHH for the latest news and updates on Young Thug and the YSL case.

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Young Thug & YSL Trial: State Motions To Block RICO Case’s Live Stream

January 19, 2024 by newhiphopnews

The RICO trial for Young Thug and the rest of YSL might change in a big way soon, at least for us spectators. Moreover, the state just filed a motion to block the livestream of court proceedings, and their reasoning is quite interesting. Specifically, they name “limitations on the media’s ability to video record testifying witnesses during the pendency of the trial of this case.” In addition, they reference a December 5, 2023 incident in which “live video footage of the trial testimony of a forensic analyst for the State was broadcast by the media. As this witness testified, menacing commentary appeared in the live chat for the broadcast: ‘we will see u later [witness’ name] YSL gunna pop by later.’”

Furthermore, prosecutors in the Young Thug and YSL RICO trial want to consider “a substantial likelihood of harm arising from one or more of the identified factors; whether that harm outweighs the benefit of recording to the public, and whether the Court has considered more narrow restrictions on recording than a complete denial of the media’s requests.” However, they also had specific requests. These include that the courtroom should only allow audio devices for the media’s recording and no visual recording of the witnesses at all. Also, they want to court to ban the media from identifying victim and witness testifiers’ full names until they complete said testimony.

State Motions To Block Young Thug & YSL RICO Trial’s Livestream

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While folks may see this move as highly prohibitive, the State does not agree. “To be clear, the State is not requesting an outright denial of recording in this trial,” they expressed. “Instead, each of the State’s requests is explicitly referenced in Rule 22(G)(2) as an example of a ‘least restrictive possible limitation’ on recording short of denial.” We’ve already seen how testimonies spread like wildfire online, contributing to our public perception of it.

But many might ask what’s more important: public knowledge of the trial or safety-oriented secrecy around it? The answer is complex, but prosecutors and defense attorneys alike want this case to proceed as smoothly and fairly as possible. Hackers already interrupted the trial in the past, so perhaps this move will increase its efficiency. On the other hand, it could leave the public in the dark as they already debate whether these proceedings upheld fair practices. Regardless, with all this in mind, check back in with HNHH for the latest news and updates on Young Thug and the YSL RICO case.

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Young Thug Suicide Vest Theory Disproved After Rapper’s Court Appearance

January 4, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Young Thug and YSL’s RICO trial is back underway following a break after someone stabbed a codefendant. Moreover, folks are buzzing around the rumor mill right now based on his appearance during a recent hearing that elicited concern from many online. For those unaware, Thugger appeared to wear a wire of sorts during the court session on Tuesday (January 2), which many assumed could be an electrical shock device or a suicide vest. This caused many to call his mental health to attention, although it seems like fans expressed worry over something relatively harmless. Furthermore, the Atlanta Journal-Constitution‘s Jozesef Papp took to Twitter the following day (Wednesday, January 3) to clarify the situation.

“Confirmed that Young Thug was wearing a heating pad under his sweater,” Papp tweeted. “The courtroom doesn’t feel that cold today but I wonder if it was yesterday. #YSL.” In fact, it’s actually a bit ironic that people started to make a fuss over what he wore to his trial proceedings. For example, the Atlanta trap pioneer recently plugged an in-progress apparel brand on social media while still behind bars. As such, we wonder what other moves he’s making outside of his legal trouble, and whether he’ll rep a piece or two in court.

Young Thug Wore A Heating Device To Court, Reporter Confirms

Confirmed that Young Thug was wearing a heating pad under his sweater. The courtroom doesn’t feel that cold today but I wonder if it was yesterday. #YSL https://t.co/n0yVm7Px6Y

— Jozsef Papp (@JozsefPapp_) January 3, 2024

Elsewhere, other rap figures like Ralo are chiming in on this YSL trial. “Young Thug [trial] weak as f**k,” he expressed on social media. “I can’t even believe they giving Jeff ah hard time like that for them weak a** charges. They might [as] well just let him go. I feel like they just trying blame him for s**t n***as around him was doing. That s**t l*me!!! Man ain’t no way Shawty just got on that stand against his childhood friend. I rather die ah thousand deaths before I do some s**t like that.”

Meanwhile, another rapper to give his take– and a fellow Atlanta native– was JID, who expressed frustration with the prosecution’s poorly organized case. Of course, he wants to see Jeffery as free as anyone else, but everything has to be fair. So far, we can’t confidently say that the YSL trial has been that so far, something that the prosecution hopefully fixes moving forward. For more news and the latest updates on Young Thug, stay logged into HNHH.

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Jonathan Majors Was Hit By Ex-Girlfriend In SUV, Driver Testifies In Court

December 11, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Jonathan Majors’ trial for assault just took a pivotal turn, although it doesn’t solve all of the conflicting reports at hand. Moreover, on Monday (December 11), the driver of the SUV in which he allegedly attacked his ex-girlfriend Grace Jabbari back in March of this year testified in court, with the help of an interpreter. For those unaware, the actor stands accused of striking her in an Escalade after she tried to get his phone to see messages with another woman. During his testimony, the driver said that he kept his eyes on the road while the couple fought in the back of his vehicle. Most crucially, though, he relayed to the jury that he “had a feeling the girl had hit the boy… because of the way that she was fighting, and the sounds produced.”

Furthermore, he said that Grace Jabbari demanded Jonathan Majors’ phone and “became very angry. He was not doing anything, she was doing it,” the driver continued, and he suggested that the Creed III star tried to “get rid of” her. This is a very interesting development considering the seemingly damning evidence that Majors’ ex brought against him in court. One of these was audio of his demands for “total compliance,” which added to a long list of other accusations and supposed evidence that each party presented to each other.

Jonathan Majors & Meagan Good Arriving At Court

Jonathan Majors Trial Hit By Ex Girlfriend Driver Testimony Grace Jabbari — NEW YORK, NY – DECEMBER 4: Jonathan Majors and Meagan Good are seen arriving at court on December 4, 2023 in New York, New York. (Photo by MEGA/GC Images/Getty Images)

Back to the driver, though, he and his interpreter continued to answer questions and offer his version of the events. According to him, Jonathan Majors and Grace Jabbari left the car at one point at their request, exiting onto a Manhattan street corner. There, the driver recalled, they argued as Majors allegedly attempted to push Jabbari into the Escalade “to get rid of her.” Sadly, this is indicative of the supposedly violent relationship that the alleged victim and her team detailed to the jury during this case.

Meanwhile, when the defense asked the driver whether he found blood in his car afterwards, he said he found no such evidence. We’ll see where else this trial goes in the coming days and weeks, as we’ve seen Majors’ new boo Meagan Good every step of the way. With that in mind, there are many different angles and storylines that people are interested in that will probably become even more relevant in the future. But the priority is justice, and everything else should follow in its wake. For more news and the latest updates on Jonathan Majors, stay logged into HNHH.

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Rihanna Reportedly Fears Becoming Single Mom As ASAP Rocky Faces Trial

December 8, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Rihanna and ASAP Rocky are growing their family and looking forward to a lot of career and life success down the road. However, right now, it seems like the couple is incredibly stressed about the latter’s firearm assault case from his associate A$AP Relli. Moreover, this comes from alleged source reports close to the family from Heat Magazine, who allegedly spoke to the outlet about their supposed knowledge of the situation. Apparently, the Barbadian singer is “terrified” of becoming a single mother if her partner faces jail time over this alleged incident. While she is as strong and as capable as ever, we can’t imagine the risk at hand here just when you’re starting a family of your own.

Furthermore, the source claimed that Rihanna is trying to “stay calm” amid all this legal drama. The most recent update on it is that the case is officially moving to trial. In addition, apparently ASAP Rocky’s lawyers are assuring her that they will keep him out of prison. “But it’s pretty hard when everyone had assured her this wouldn’t even go to trial,” the alleged source posited.

Rihanna & ASAP Rocky At The 2023 Met Gala

Rihanna Single Mom ASAP Rocky Trial Hip Hop News — NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 01: (L-R) A$AP Rocky and Rihanna attend The 2023 Met Gala Celebrating “Karl Lagerfeld: A Line Of Beauty.” The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 01, 2023 in New York City. (Photo by John Shearer/WireImage/Getty Images)

“He’s facing nine years, and she’s terrified right now,” the source continued. “If the worst happens, and they want to make an example of him, she’ll be raising her two kids alone. It’s a total nightmare, and not something Rihanna ever thought she’d face. She’s so stressed out and losing sleep over this.” Meanwhile, the source had this to say about the New York MC. “He’s in legal meetings all day and is in a terrible mood. It’s all just a mess. Rihanna wants to do what she can to help him through this, but she’s pretty much powerless.”

Of course, we wouldn’t wish this situation on anyone, whether you’re on the accusatory or defensive side of this turmoil. But people love this couple, and we’re sure that they have plenty of resources and pathways to move forward. Let’s just hope that the children and RiRi aren’t overwhelmed by anything if this legal dispute goes sour. For more news and the latest updates on Rihanna and ASAP Rocky, log back into HNHH.

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Young Thug & YSL RICO Trial Finally Gets Seated Jury: Report

November 2, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Finally, after over a year of delays and court developments and fiascos since the initial arrest, the YSL RICO trial is moving underway for Young Thug and his codefendants, according to a Billboard report. Moreover, the Atlanta court overseeing this case finally sat its jury in it after finalizing candidates earlier this week. As such, this means that the court will at long last commence full proceedings on this situation on the scheduled date of November 27. While this case hasn’t gotten any prettier or more promising to cover, at least this movement is some form of progress in this journey. For those unaware, prosecutors claim that the record label Young Stoner Life, led by Thugger, is actually a dangerous street gang in Atlanta known as Young Slime Life.

Furthermore, the jury selection process began in January of this year, about six months after authorities initially arrested Young Thug and other YSL affiliates. However, it proved incredibly difficult to find willing and able jurors in this trial. Many dropped out due to the heightened time-consuming commitments that a high-profile case like this represents. On the other hand, the court found many to exhibit too much bias, incompetent, or public revelations to participate.

Young Thug Performing In 2019

Young Thug YSL RICO Trial Jury Hip Hop News — LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 06: Young Thug performs on stage during Wireless Festival 2019 on July 06, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Lorne Thomson/Redferns/Getty Images)

In addition, this adds onto drug busts, more arrests, severances from the trial, and plea deals that the YSL RICO case involved. In fact, prosecutors led by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis initially indicted 27 individuals in this case. Now, only seven remain and face the brunt of the charges if convicted. According to Atlanta media outlets such as its local NBC partner, the jury that will evaluate these seven indicted affiliates consists of seven Black women, two white women, two Black men, and one white man.

Meanwhile, full conviction could result in a lifetime prison sentence for the Atlanta trap pioneer. An important aspect to determine in the case is whether the court can use lyrics in their arguments. A hearing will take place next week to settle this mater with a ruling before opening arguments commence on November 27. For more news and the latest updates on the Young Thug and YSL RICO trial, stay logged into HNHH.

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