deposition

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. 

Drake Dodges Deposition In XXXTENTACION Murder Trial

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Drake likely never thought that the silent tension brewing between himself and XXXTENTACION would ever lead to a deposition. X took many issues with Drake in the years prior to his death. It began with Drake’s “KMT” flow, which X said was stolen from “Look At Me!” However, the tension between them escalated even further beyond that. Unfortunately, it led to numerous allegations that Drake somehow had some involvement in the Broward County rapper’s death, which defense attorneys mentioned on numerous occasions since the trial began.

Dedrick Williams’ attorney, Mauricio Padilla, said that investigators never looked into Drake and X’s beef prior to making arrests. Additionally, he brought up the fact that X’s mother asked his uncle to accompany him when he went shopping for a motorcycle out of fear of the public feuds he had with well-known rappers. During the pre-trial, Padilla mentioned that he wanted Drake on the witness stand to testify in the trial. Shortly after, he filed a motion to have Drake sit down for a deposition, which a judge granted over the weekend. Even after the state’s witness, Robert Allen – the fourth suspect arrested over X’s death – said that he didn’t know Drake, anyone from Toronto, or any parties associated with the Canadian artist.

Judge Grants Drake’s Motion To Dodge Deposition

It looks like Drake won’t have to sit down for a deposition after all. According to TMZ, Judge Michael A. Usan granted Drake’s motion to dodge the deposition. Drizzy’s attorney appeared in court earlier this week where he explained that, not only was the subpoena flawed, but that there isn’t a shred of evidence tying the rapper to X’s death. Though the judge agreed, he stated that he would have to work out a schedule with the defense for a deposition. Judge Usan ultimately backtracked on that ruling and let Drizzy off the hook once the rapper’s lawyer explained that his client had no relevant information to provide.

Now, is there a possibility that Drake might still have to sit down for a deposition? Potentially but that would require some serious work from Padilla, especially since the trial is already underway. For now, it appears that Drake is in the clear and won’t have any involvement in the trial moving forward. We’ll keep you posted if anything changes in the future. Sound off with your thoughts in the comment section below.

Drake’s Legal Team File Motion To Quash Deposition Order In XXXTENTACION Murder Trial

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There has been no shortage of conspiracy theories alleging Drake’s involvement in XXXTENTACION’s murder death. Though it began as online rumors with fans reaching to put pieces together, it, unfortunately, reached the courtroom. Dedrick Williams’ attorney, Mauricio Padilla, questioned the state’s witness about the Toronto artist’s involvement while tying in Drizzy’s “God Plan” music video. However, the witness took the stand and denied knowing the Her Loss rapper or his affiliates. Still, after months of pushing, the judge granted Padilla’s motion to subpoena Drake for a deposition in the case.  

Last week, Judge Michael Usan stated that Drake previously failed to appear for a deposition in January. “As a result of Aubrey Drake Graham’s failure to appear for the deposition set on Jan. 27, 2023, Aubrey Drake Graham shall appear for deposition at 5:00pm EST on Friday, Feb. 24th, 2023,” the motion read. The judge said Drake would have to appear in court on Feb. 27th if he failed to appear at the deposition and explain why he shouldn’t be held in contempt of court. 

Following the judge’s decision, the “Jimmy Cooks” rapper’s legal team filed a motion to quash the order requiring him to appear for a deposition. Drake’s lawyer stated in the motion that the paperwork wasn’t served properly. Additionally, he pointed out that there’s no evidence “to substantiate the assertion that (Drake) in any way contributed to, had knowledge of, or participated in the alleged incident.” He added demanding the Canadian rapper “appear for something that he very clearly has no relevant knowledge of is unreasonable.”

This morning, Drake’s attorney, Brad Cohen, appeared on the rapper’s behalf to further dismiss the deposition order, per WPLG reporter Ian Margol. Cohen reiterated his argument from the motion he filed over the weekend, and it appears that the judge didn’t necessarily oppose. Still, it appears that Drake will have to sit down for a deposition. “Judge didn’t disagree but said Drake and his attorney would have to work with the defense to figure out a deposition time to allow for full due process,” Margol tweeted. We’ll keep you posted on any more updates.

[Via]

Drake Beef Brought Up In Hearing For XXXTENTACION’s Murder Suspects

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June will mark five years since XXXTENTACION’s untimely death but this month, the accused killers will finally face trial.

Though jury selection begins on Jan. 18, the attorneys for three of the suspects — Michael Boatwright, 28, Dedrick Williams, 26, and Trayvon Newsome, 24 — appeared in court this week for pre-trial hearings. The judge ruled that XXXTENTACION’s mother would have to disclose her earnings after her son’s death. However, the attorneys also mentioned Drake.

Williams’s attorney, Maurico Padilla, tried to persuade the judge to order a deposition of Drake due to his feud with XXXTENTACION. As you recall, XXXTENTACION previously took issue with the Canadian rapper stealing his flow.

During the hearing, Padilla said Drake and his associates, including Akademiks, may have had an issue with the Broward County artist. The judge denied the motion and said that there was no need for a deposition.

SUNRISE, FL - JUNE 27: Fans leave items at a makeshift memorial outside XXXTentacion Funeral & Fan Memorial at BB&T Center on June 27, 2018 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Jason Koerner/Getty Images)
SUNRISE, FL – JUNE 27: Fans leave items at a makeshift memorial outside XXXTentacion Funeral & Fan Memorial at BB&T Center on June 27, 2018 in Sunrise, Florida. (Photo by Jason Koerner/Getty Images)

“This is one of the biggest celebrities in the world,” Padilla said. “Excluding an order from this court, we all know that I will never be able to take his deposition.”

Additionally, the state and the defense agreed no one should be permitted to wear graphic T-shirts during the trial.

The defense suggested that there are other individuals who might have motives, whether financial or personal, to kill XXXTENTACION.

Last month, we reported that Padilla shared a list of potential witnesses for the trial, including Drake and Akademiks. Additionally, the attorney named Quavo, Offset, Joe Budden, and 6ix9ine as potential witnesses. At this point, it’s unclear if a judge will order a testimony from the celebrities mentioned.

We will keep you up to speed on any further updates surrounding this case.

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