crime

Drake Will Not Have To Sit For A Deposition In XXXTENTACION Murder Trial, Judge Rules

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Over the past few years, the conspiracy theories linking Drake to XXXTENTACION’s death have been endless. There have been plenty of fan theories dissecting lyrics and music videos in an attempt to connect Drizzy to the Florida rapper’s death. Unfortunately, the Internet theories led to real-life implications and in the past two months, defense attorneys have used Drake’s name in an attempt to create some sort of doubt that the four men on trial did not actually murder XXXTENTACION. 

Most recently, the attorney for Dedrick Williams, Mauricio Padilla, has tried to convince a judge that his argument requires a deposition from Drake. There’s been a back-and-forth that led to a pair of process servers facing off with Drake’s security in Calabasas. On top of that, one of the defendants, who copped a deal and turned state’s witness, confirmed on the stand that he has no ties to Drake whatsoever. Meanwhile, the rapper’s lawyer has had to appear in court to try and quash the deposition since last week, though it appears that the judge has made a definitive decision.

Judge Rules In Drake’s Favor

This week, Padilla returned to court where he addressed the judge surrounding the Drake deposition and in short, it didn’t work out for him. Padilla tried to explain the video of 600Breezy going to Florida to find XXXTENTACION supposedly on Drake’s behalf. “Counsel, then subpoena 600Breezy,” the judge informed Padilla before shutting the door on any possibility of having Drake sit down for a deposition.

“What does that have to do with someone else who you have no evidence of being involved other than hearsay and innuendo,” the judge continued. “You are now trying to just drag somebody in who’s a celebrity, who does not want to be associated with this. And to harm that individual is not inconsequential.” Padilla began to explain the connection between Breezy and Drake but clearly, the judge was fed up. “You’ve had this case since 2018. Go talk to Breezy,” he said with his hands up. Overall, Padilla’s attempt to get Drake on the stand has been an utter failure. Check the clip above. 

Extortionists On Black Market Pushed R Kelly Sex Tape: Details

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Yesterday (Feb. 23), a US District Judge sentenced R Kelly to 20 years in prison in his Chicago child pornography case. Judge Harry D. Leinenweber stated 19 of those years will run concurrently with his existing 30-year sentence out of New York, totaling 31 overall. Following the news, RadarOnline has obtained details regarding the now-infamous sex tape of R. Kelly and a then-14-year-old girl. According to their knowledge, several extortionists on the black market pushed the revolting clip to media outlets back in 2019.

This comes one month after the airing of Surviving R. Kelly: The Final Chapter, where more deplorable information about the singer was released. RadarOnline shares that during the series’ earlier installments, the black market sellers peddled the sex tape to different companies in exchange for money. Copies of it were offered starting at $900 to an astounding $100,000. The news is confirmed by National Enquirer, who attempted to expose the extortionists after the tape was sent to their office as well. The woman in the tape, now 31 years old, shared details about her relationship with Robert Kelly during his Chicago trial.

The Infamous Sex Tape Led To R. Kelly’s 31-Year Sentence

In this handout provided by Cook County Sheriff’s Office, R. Kelly poses for a mugshot photo after being arrested for $161,663 in unpaid child support March 6, 2019.

Disturbingly enough, more tapes have been found of R. Kelly with underage women, including one with the late Aaliyah. One of his victims, survivor Ebonié Doyle, detailed how she unearthed them during her interview with journalist Jim DeRogatis. Doyle told DeRogatis “I see this basket full of tapes, and I’m like, ‘Well, maybe I’ll just grab one of these tapes… That’s when I discovered that he’d been lying to me about Aaliyah.” The VHS she chose showed footage of the young songstress having intimate relationships with R Kelly on a tour bus. everything that I had asked him was confirmed on the tape,” she adds. This apparently led to a full-blown argument between the two upon Kelly’s return home.

Several unsettling stories have come out of the Surviving R. Kelly: The Final Chapter regarding Aaliyah. The two collaborators married when she was a mere 15 years old—at the time they lied and said she was 18. Following this, the singer’s family signed an NDA regarding the relationship. The evidence was presented during R. Kelly’s federal trial in 2002.

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Nicki Minaj Wants Default Judgement Against Blogger She Sued For False Reports

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Nicki Minaj is asking the court for a default judgement after a blogger she sued for false reports ignored her filing. Moreover, Marley Green, better known as Nosey Heaux, accused Nicki of being a cokehead and made some disparaging comments about her son. While everything set itself in place for the court proceedings, the only missing thing is Green’s response. Furthermore, since she’s failed to address the lawsuit, the New York-raised MC wants the case resolved without her input. Overall, this could mean that the superstar rapper might get close to her requested damages of $75,000.

According to court documents obtained by AllHipHop, Minaj’s lawyer Judd Burstein made such requests on Thursday (February 23). Additionally, he asked the Clerk of the Court to issue a certificate of default in the case. “Defendants have not answered or otherwise moved with respect to the complaint and the time for them to do so has expired,” they stated. When Nicki sued Green in September of 2022, attorney Bobby Samini agreed to represent and accept service for Green the following October. However, even though Burstein sent Green and her team a summons and complaint via email that month, they had to extend the December deadline for response to January 16 of this year.

Nicki Minaj Seeks Default Judgement

Nicki Minaj presents the Artist of the Year award on stage at the MTV Video Music Awards 2022 held at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Picture date: Sunday August 28, 2022. (Photo by Doug Peters/PA Images via Getty Images)

Still, it was all crickets on Green’s end. “The Defendants herein have outrageously defamed [Nicki Minaj] by posting a video on their Twitter page in which Defendant Marley Green, who goes by the name of ‘Nosey Heaux,’ falsely and maliciously stated that [Nicki Minaj] is a ‘cokehead’ who is ‘shoving all this cocaine up her nose,’” Nicki’s lawyer wrote in the original lawsuit. “Further evidencing a fundamental lack of decency, Green has also posted vile comments about [Nicki Minaj’s] one year-old son. While these comments are not actionable, they nonetheless demonstrate why punitive damages should be awarded in this case.”

Also, Burstein maintained that his client never used cocaine. In addition, he insisted that Green acted with “actual malice” because she “knew that there was a high probability that it was false.” Meanwhile, at least the “Anaconda” artist has more bright things to look forward to this year. Recently, she announced an upcoming single which should have Barbs all over feeling absolutely ecstatic. Regardless, stay tuned to HNHH for the latest news and updates from Nicki Minaj.

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Tory Lanez Sentencing Delayed, May Not Happen Until April: Report

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Since he was convicted of three counts related to Megan Thee Stallion’s 2020 shooting, we haven’t heard much from Tory Lanez’s camp. Lanez took to the internet, interviews, and his music for years to mock Megan and deny he was responsible for her injuries. His dedicated fanbase stood by him, and outlets even advocated on his behalf. However, a jury later found him guilty, and he was set to be sentenced in just a few days.

Reporter Meghan Cunniff kept the world updated on what happened in the courtroom during Lanez’s trial. Today. (February 24), she offered more news on the rapper’s sentencing, suggesting it has been delayed. “Tory Lanez is scheduled to be sentenced next Tuesday for shooting Megan Thee Stallion,” tweeted Cunniff. “The notice from LA Courts just now calls it only a ‘hearing.’ DA Alex Bott tells me, ‘No firm date yet but likely a date in late March to mid April.’”

It Could Be Months Before Tory Lanez Learns His Fate

ATLANTA,GA – JANUARY 30: Tory Lanez attends DJ Stevie J Birthday Celebration at Compound on January 30, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia.(Photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)

“This is not unexpected,” Cunniff continued. “Bott and his co-counsel Kathy Ta said in court last month that they would be willing to continue the sentencing again, depending on the availability of the trial transcripts that Lanez’s attorneys need for their motion for new trial.” Additionally, “The motion has not been filed. Motions like that are a lot of work. Harvey Weinstein’s lawyers got his sentencing delayed once so they could have time to put together their new trial motion, and they were Weinstein’s original trial counsel. Lanez has new lawyers post-trial.”

“There will still be a hearing Tuesday, in which we should learn the new sentencing date. Unless other issues come up, it could be a very brief hearing. Lanez should be there; Weinstein was in court on the day his sentencing was delayed. Judge has to ask him if he agrees to delay.”

Lanez Switched Up His Legal Team

Twitter

Immediately following his conviction, Lanez reportedly hired several new lawyers. Some stated it was because he was upset about his trial lawyer’s methods. However, it was later noted that the trial lawyer doesn’t handle appeals, so Lanez would need new representation for the next phase of his case.

GloRilla Driver Busted With Gun As She Performs With Cardi B In NYC

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GloRilla is riding high without an actual album out. She undoubtedly became one of the biggest new artists in hip-hop within the past six months. The success of “F.N.F (Let’s Go)” earned her a Grammy nomination and the opportunity to perform at the award ceremony as part of Hip Hop 50 segment. Despite her brief time in the rap game, she’s evidently found her place in the history books if she’s joining the likes of LL Cool J, Melle Mel, Ice-T, and other pioneers to represent the culture on music’s biggest stage in America.

Most recently, GloRilla’s embarked on the Anyways, Life’s Great across America where she’s hit dozens of venues of adoring fans. Unfortunately, it hasn’t been entirely smooth. Glo and her team faced a few issues along the way. There was the issue with a promoter who thought he paid for a performance but only got a walkthrough of the Memphis rapper. This incident led to a back-and-forth on social media that her CMG boss, Yo Gotti, chimed in on. Then, GloRilla called out a fan who threw a jacket in her face during her performance.

GloRilla’s Driver Arrested For Gun Possession 

According to TMZ, the NYPD busted her driver during her performance at Irving Plaza for gun possession. A man, who police identified as Cameron Blackmon, reportedly set off a metal detector inside the venue. However, NYPD later saw him in a Suburban with two semi-automatic pistols. Police arrested Blockmon during this time on criminal possession of a firearm, ammo, and a switchblade, in addition to a ticket for parking the vehicle in a neutral zone in front of the venue. 

It may have been a little chaotic outside of the venue but GloRilla fans surely had an excellent evening. The “Blessed” rapper had New York City’s finest in the building for her tour stop. Buzzing up-and-comer, Lola Brooke, took shots with GloRilla before emerging on stage to perform “Don’t Play With It.” However, the big surprise came towards the end of the night when she brought out Cardi B to perform “Tomorrow 2.” We’ll keep you posted on anymore updates surrounding Blockmon’s arrest. 

DJ Akademiks Claims Gunna Wants Out Of YSL, Has An Album Ready

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Hip Hop fans are still wondering what Gunna’s next move will be. After being released from jail in December, the rapper hasn’t made much movement in his career or social media. He was initially a part of the first string of arrests tied to the YSL RICO case. Gunna, Young Thug, and over two dozen of their purported associates were detained on charges related to several crimes. It was alleged that YSL was a criminal street organization, but Thugger and his supporters have insisted it is only a record label.

Meanwhile, Gunna was the first to accept a plea deal to taste freedom. He has flown under the radar, but DJ Akademiks claims to have inside information. “I think he’s cooked up an album. From what I heard, he has an album ready,” Akademiks said while on Livestream. “He has an album discussing a bunch of sh*t. He’s got an album, he’s got some sh*t to say. But there’s nobody down to stand with him.”

Akademiks Speculates About Gunna’s Future

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 02: Gunna attends The 2022 Met Gala Celebrating “In America: An Anthology of Fashion” at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on May 02, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by John Shearer/Getty Images)

“So, it becomes one of those situations where, yeah, how good could you make a case if everybody’s leaving you on an island. So, I think Gunna is kinda in limbo, waiting to see what happens with Thug. I think he’s praying that Thug gets a favorable outcome. Or he’s probably praying that, you know, despite what might happen to Thug, that Thug has some type of grace for him.”

The rant was all speculative, as Gunna hasn’t spoken out much. He and his lawyer have repeatedly denied snitching allegations, and Gunna emerged on Instagram to give a shoutout to Thug. However, Akademiks shared what he’s heard down the grapevine, while Hip Hop awaits more from Gunna himself. “I think, if you ask me, these are just my thoughts. I think if Thugger gets 20 years or 15 years, I think Gunna will try to proposition this offer to them: ‘Yo, how ’bout if y’all give me that co-sign that I need to get the snitch thing off of me, to get that jacket off of me, I’ll give a bigger percentage of my earnings to Thugger.’”

Akademiks Claims Gunna Wants Out Of YSL

Additionally, Akademiks claimed that he also heard that Gunna was making moves to leave YSL. Because the relationship is “fractured,” Akademiks said there is no way Gunna can go through something like this with the label and come out on the other side. Check out more from DJ Akademiks above.

T.I. Posts Court Paperwork To Shut Down Haters

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Every so often, T.I. past becomes a topic of conversation. In Hip Hop, snitching is a hot topic as artists have found themselves on the wrong side of the law. T.I. has faced off against his peers who have weighed in on his prior legal troubles. Some have claimed he cooperated with the authorities. Tip has denied each allegation, but more recently, he had to face off with a friend after Boosie Badazz called his integrity into question.

Boosie spoke openly about a viral video that showed T.I. blaming a crime on his dead cousin while speaking with the authorities. The Louisiana rapper questioned if T.I. was a snitch for the display, which came as a surprise because they were reportedly planning on releasing a joint album. Boosie called off the collaboration, and in turn, T.I. clapped back in a lengthy response.

T.I. Calls Out Boosie

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JANUARY 28: Rapper T.I. attends the Atlanta premiere of “Fear” at AMC Phipps Plaza on January 28, 2023 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images)

Because of their close relationship, T.I. was angered that Boosie would discuss him so freely. “My number the same & my address the same my n***a,” said Tip. “To get on da net & speak on sh*t you’ve never spoke to me about is leaving me to believe you been hiding ya heart the whole time,” he added. “I’d NEVER speak ‘certain disrespect’ on your name/reputation bout a ‘IF’ homie. da convict code say When in doubt…pull the paperwork out!!! & ‘IF’ you ain’t did that.”

The self-proclaimed King of the South encouraged his former friend to come to him directly in the future. “I expected more from you. This sh*t ain’t solid. obviously I thought we WAS something we WASNT.” Boosie has yet to reply, at least publicly, but T.I. didn’t wait on a response. He returned to Instagram to show off his paperwork. The Rap icon posted photos of court documents and delivered a final thought on the topic—at least, for now.

T.I. Is Open To A “Paperwork Party”

“FYI…Can’t Nobody Who Got dey name in other people’s paperwork question me about mine!!!!” T.I. wrote. “I got it on me…. we can have a paperwork party PULL UP…or [shh emoji].” Check it out above.

Marilyn Manson Ex-Accuser Recants Allegations, Claims Rachel Evan Woods “Manipulated” Her

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CW: This article contains details of sexual assault that some may find disturbing or triggering.

Several women emerged with horrendous allegations against Marilyn Manson over the years, accusing him of sexual abuse. 38-year-old Ashley Morgan Smithline claimed that she endured years of abuse during her relationship with Marilyn Manson. Her allegations emerged at a time when a number of women, including Manson’s ex Evan Rachel Woods, shared similar stories. Smithline filed a lawsuit, which was later dismissed, where she detailed her relationship with the singer.

Smithline, who is Jewish, alleged Manson raped her and cut her with a knife that had a Swastika symbol. Along with the numerous other allegations against Manson, he ultimately became a pariah in the music industry. However, it appears that Smithline’s claims weren’t true, to begin with. She recently retracted her comments, accusing Wood and her associates of manipulating her into suing the rockstar.

Smithline Retracts Statements Against Marilyn Manson

HOLLYWOOD, CALIFORNIA – SEPTEMBER 23: Marilyn Manson attends the Special Screening Of AMC’s “The Walking Dead” Season 10 at Chinese 6 Theater– Hollywood on September 23, 2019 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jon Kopaloff/Getty Images)

In a recent declaration obtained by PageSix, Smithline said that the allegations she made against Manson were “not true.” She said that other alleged victims of Manson invited her to group meetings where they asked if she had been “whipped, chained, tied up, branded, cut, assaulted while sleeping, beaten, or raped” by the singer. “No, this did not happen to me, and this was not my experience,” she reportedly responded.

However, the other women in these meetings, including Wood, suggested that she may have been suppressing the trauma. “While at first I knew Mr. Warner did not do these things to me, I eventually I began to question whether he actually did,” Smithline said. “I was asked whether [I] was repressing memories to just get through day-to-day life, and whether it was easier just to not think about what actually happened than accept reality. They also said it was important for people to come forward so that no one else gets hurt.”

She said Wood’s girlfriend, Illma Gore, drafted the statement she shared on Instagram where she named Manson as her abuser. In her declaration, she said that her statement “contained untrue statements about Mr. Warner” including violence and sexual assault claims. Though many were weary of the retraction, she said, “I never received any money from Mr. Warner and am not seeking any money from him.” She added that she won’t refile her lawsuit, either. 

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Alec Baldwin Pleads Not Guilty In “Rust” Case

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Alec Baldwin pleaded not guilty to involuntary manslaughter. Additionally, he waived his court appearance on Friday. Currently, Baldwin is not in jail, free without having to post a bond to the government. He was originally going to make his first court appearance on Friday on Google Meet. However, he chose to submit his not-guilty plea through a court filing instead. Therefore, he will not have to do it in court and will not be due in court until the preliminary hearing begins. In the official trial, he faces up to 18 months in prison. Obviously, this will only occur if he is convicted in connection to the Rust cinematographer Halyna Hutchins‘ tragic death.

The Santa Fe D.A.’s allegations against Baldwin state that he acted with “criminal negligence” when he fired a loaded weapon. The incident occurred while preparing for a scene. The incident occurred at the Bonanza Creek Ranch in October 2021. However, Baldwin has denied these allegations, even prior to pleading not guilty. He has said that others were responsible for making sure the gun was not loaded. Hannah Gutierrez Reed, the armorer of Rust, will make her first court appearance on Friday. She will appear under the accusation of involuntary manslaughter. According to reports, She was responsible for making sure all rounds in the gun were dummies.

Alec Baldwin Still Not In The Clear

Alec Baldwin speaks onstage at the 2022 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Gala at New York Hilton on December 06, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Mike Coppola/Getty Images for 2022 Robert F. Kennedy Human Rights Ripple of Hope Gala)

On Monday of this week, prosecutors dropped the firearm enhancement charge. The charge could have added an additional five years to Baldwin and Gutierrez Reed’s sentences. It would have allowed for extra punishment for the actual “discharge” of the weapon in the course of a felony. However, this did not apply to the Rust case. The enhancement charge took effect seven months after the shooting took place. Furthermore, Baldwin is set to head to Montana in spring to complete the film. The creation process was suspended after the tragic accident on set.

In October, producers announced a settlement with Hutchins’ husband, Matthew. He will become an executive producer of the film. Additionally, the filmmakers of Rust have said that they will finish the film as a tribute to Hutchins’ final work and overall talent. Additionally, they will be working with a documentary crew to tell the story of Hutchins’ career. This documentary will include the story of Hutchins’ time on Rust. Baldwin and Gutierrez Reed will have a preliminary hearing within 60 days of pleading not guilty to their accused charges. They will appear in person for the preliminary hearing, where prosecutors will give evidence to convince a judge to request a trial.

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