legal issues

Yak Gotti Secures Major Legal Win In YSL Case

by

Young Thug is finally able to put his legal issues behind him for now following a long, chaotic trial. The rapper accepted a plea deal last month and was soon released from prison. He’ll spend 15 years on probation, and must abide by various release conditions. Regardless, his supporters are thrilled that he’s back home. They’re eager to hear what music he has up his sleeve, and glad to see him enjoying his freedom.

Unfortunately, however, the same can’t be said for his former co-defendant Yak Gotti. The artist reportedly refused a plea deal around the same time Young Thug accepted one, and he remains behind bars. At the time, his attorney Douglas Weinstein told FOX 5 Atlanta that his client “fully intends to take this to the jury and get our not guilty verdicts and go home.” Now, he’s reportedly secured at least one legal win, according to @ThuggerDaily on X.

Read More: Yak Gotti Refuses Plea Deal Amid YSL RICO Trial

Judge Grants Yak Gotti’s Motion For Directed Verdict On Three Charges

Reportedly, Judge Paige Reese Whitaker granted the defense’s motion for directed verdict on three drug and weapon charges, meaning he cannot be found guilty. “I do not believe that, even viewing in the light most favorable to the prosecution, there’s evidence upon a rational trier of fact could find the essential elements of possession of those particular items,” she explained. As for his other charges, it will be up to the jury to decided whether or not he’s guilty, per journalist Meghann Cuniff on X. The other charges he’s facing include alleged Conspiracy to violate Georgia’s RICO Act, Murder, Participation in criminal street gang activity, and more.

Aside from Yak Gotti, the only other remaining defendant is Shannon Stillwell. Fox 5 reports that the jury will return tomorrow (November 21), and could begin deliberation as early as this week. Stillwell is facing gun, gang, and murder charges. Last year, he was stabbed multiple times by a fellow inmate and has since made a full recovery.

Read More: Young Thug Trial: Co-Defendant Takes Plea Deal

[Via]

The post Yak Gotti Secures Major Legal Win In YSL Case appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Diddy Judge Has Questions About Trial Notes Allegedly Photographed During Jail Raid

by

Diddy is currently behind bars on charges related to alleged sex trafficking and racketeering. The Bad Boy founder is expected to go on trial in May of next year and could be hit with a hefty sentence if found guilty. For this reason, he has a lot of preparation to do. Recently, however, his legal team accused officials of raiding his jail cell and taking photos of his trial strategy notes and private correspondence with his lawyer. They argue that this allegedly violates his Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendment rights.

“When we visit him in jail, we have lists,” Diddy’s attorney Marc Agnifilo explained in court, according to PEOPLE. “Everything in these pads are things we discuss. Trial strategy, who we should speak to, to undermine a witness’ credibility. We discuss everything with Mr. Combs.” Diddy and his team allege that his notebooks were labeled “legal,” indicating that they contained privileged information. In court yesterday, Judge Arun Subramanian ruled that none of these findings can be used as evidence, and ordered the protection to get rid of them.

Read More: Joe Budden Wonders If It’s Possible For Diddy To Have A Fair Trial

https://twitter.com/meghanncuniff/status/1859270827776110997?s=12&t=6N2L99mKx7LzXYhb_3_zwQ

Now, however, the judge has some follow-up questions. In a legal document shared by journalist Meghann Cuniff on X today, Judge Subramanian questions Diddy and his team’s allegations that the notebooks were labeled “legal.” He asks them “to address why this label doesn’t appear on the photographs in the Court’s possession,” and why it was not mentioned in their filing. He asks that the defense be prepared to explain themselves at a hearing scheduled for this Friday (November 22).

The judge’s latest request arrived amid a new slew of disturbing allegations against Diddy. In a lawsuit filed earlier today, for example, a former RoboCop stuntman recalls attending what he believed to be a music video audition in New York in 2001. Allegedly, after drinking a Diet Coke, he blacked out. Eventually, he woke up to Diddy allegedly sodomizing him.

Read More: Diddy Faces Sodomy Allegation From “RoboCop” Stuntman

[Via]

The post Diddy Judge Has Questions About Trial Notes Allegedly Photographed During Jail Raid appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Joe Budden Wonders If It’s Possible For Diddy To Have A Fair Trial

by

It’s no secret that Diddy is in for an intense trial. The Bad Boy founder is currently behind bars for various charges related to alleged sex trafficking and racketeering. His trial is expected to begin in May 2025, and he could reportedly face some serious prison time if convicted. He’s also facing multiple lawsuits from men and women who accuse him of sexual assault, abuse, and more.

Recently, prosecutors even obtained roughly 19 pages of “privileged notes” that were found during a raid of the mogul’s jail cell, according to TMZ. They alleged that they pointed to him allegedly paying Kalenna Harper to release a statement in his defense after Dawn Richard filed a lawsuit against him, and more. Earlier this week, Judge Arun Subramanian ruled that none of this could be used as evidence against Diddy. He ordered the prosecution to destroy the notes.

Read More: Diddy Faces Sodomy Allegation From “RoboCop” Stuntman

During a recent episode of The Joe Budden Podcast, Budden and his co-hosts questioned whether or not it’s even possible for Diddy to get a fair trial at this point. According to them, it might not be, considering the number of shocking allegations the public has heard against Diddy. They argued that it might be difficult to find an untainted jury. On the other hand, they also speculated that his celebrity status could give him a leg up.

It remains to be seen how Diddy’s case will actually play out. The long list of disturbing accusations he’s facing has certainly not stopped growing, however. This week, for example, a former RoboCop stuntman sued him over a music video audition allegedly gone wrong. The man alleges that after drinking a Diet Coke, he blacked out, and woke up to Diddy sodomizing him.

Read More: Diddy Secures Legal Victory As Judge Orders Prosecution To Destroy Notes From Jail Raid

[Via]

The post Joe Budden Wonders If It’s Possible For Diddy To Have A Fair Trial appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Sexyy Red Shoots Her Shot At NBA YoungBoy Amid His Legal Issues

by

Sexyy Red is one artist who never hesitates to speak her mind, especially when it comes to the men she’s interested in. Recently, for example, the “SkeeYee” rapper took to X to weigh in on some news about NBA YoungBoy. Earlier this week, he pleaded guilty to some charges related to an alleged prescription drug fraud scheme and was sentenced. He’ll reportedly spend 27 months behind bars for a separate case and must pay a $25K fine. He will not serve additional time for his alleged crimes.

My Mixtapez posted an update on his case accompanied by a photo of the Louisiana rapper, which quickly got Sexyy Red’s attention. “Free all da fine sht [crying emojis],” she wrote. Clearly, YB’s legal issues have not deterred the St. Louis star from shooting her shot, even if she’d have to wait a couple of years to see him in the flesh.

Read More: Tyler The Creator Throws It Back With Sexyy Red In Wild Camp Flog Gnaw Performance Clip

After his ruling, Judge Spencer Walsh shared that he believes in YB’s ability to lead a successful and crime-free life following his release. “I’ve seen so many times where you have young men and women who have a lot of talent and potential. They can be robbed of that potential when they start to really struggle with their addictions,” he explained. “I don’t want that for you. I’m sure that in your future, once you’re done with your federal prison time, you can be really successful on federal probation and have a really bright future where you can reach your full potential in every aspect of your life. Best of luck to you, Mr. Gaulden.”

As for Sexyy Red, she was also spotted getting up close and personal with Chief Keef a few months back. This started a heated back and forth between her and King Von’s sister, Kayla B. At the time of writing, her relationship status remains unclear.

Read More: Snoop Dogg Always Knew That Sexyy Red Had “Star Power”

[Via]

The post Sexyy Red Shoots Her Shot At NBA YoungBoy Amid His Legal Issues appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Diddy Accused Of Paying To Use Other Inmates’ Phone Accounts For Unmonitored Calls

by

It goes without saying that it’s just the beginning of a long and difficult legal battle for Diddy. The Bad Boy mogul is currently in prison in New York, facing charges of alleged sex trafficking and racketeering. His trial is expected to begin in May of next year, and he’s being held without bond. His fifth bond hearing is scheduled for November 22. He’s additionally facing various lawsuits from men and women accusing him of sexual assault, abuse, and more.

Now, in a new court filing, prosecutors allege that he’s used other inmates’ phone accounts to make unmonitored calls. They accuse him of allegedly evading federal regulations by doing so. They also claim this allegedly makes him untrustworthy in establishing he could follow release conditions if granted bond.

Read More: Cassie’s Alleged Texts To Diddy After Hotel Assault Released By U.S. Government

Prosecutors Push To Deny Diddy Bond

Diddy Accused Of Paying To Use Other Inmates’ Phone Accounts For Unmonitored Calls
Mar 27, 2022; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Sean “Diddy” Combs intoduces a tribute to “The Godfather” during the 94th Academy Awards at the Dolby Theatre. Robert Hanashiro / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

This is far from all prosecutors are accusing Diddy of, however. They also believe he allegedly paid Kalenna Harper to come to his defense amid Dawn Richard’s lawsuit against him. Their filing points to 128 total alleged communications leading up to Harper’s public response to the lawsuit, which she posted in September of this year.

They also accuse Diddy of organizing a social media campaign with his family to allegedly sway jurors with a birthday video. “The defendant has shown repeatedly — even while in custody — that he will flagrantly and repeatedly flout rules in order to improperly impact the outcome of his case,” they allege. “[Combs] explicitly discussed with his family how to ensure that the video had his desired effect on potential jury members in this case.” Diddy’s latest bail proposal includes $50 million in bail, as well as constant surveillance and no contact with anyone besides his lawyers.

Read More: Ray J Admits He Thinks About Nicki Minaj “Every Day” Since She Called Him Out For Diddy Jokes

[Via]

The post Diddy Accused Of Paying To Use Other Inmates’ Phone Accounts For Unmonitored Calls appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Diddy Accused Of Paying Kalenna Harper To Defend Him Amid Dawn Richard Lawsuit

by

In September of this year, Diddy was hit with a lawsuit from Dawn Richard. She accused him of sexual and emotional abuse and alleged that she witnessed him assault his ex-girlfriend, Cassie. “It’s unfortunate that Ms. Richard has cast their 20-year friendship aside to try and get money from him, but Mr. Combs is confidently standing on truth and looks forward to proving that in court,” Diddy’s lawyer Erica Wolff said in a statement in response to the lawsuit.

Shortly after news of Richard’s lawsuit went public, another member of Diddy-Dirty Money broke her silence. Kalenna Harper took to her Instagram Story to deny ever seeing Diddy engage in this kind of behavior. “While I fully respect Dawn’s right to recount her experiences, I want to emphasize that her account reflects her personal perspective and should not be interpreted as a universal truth applicable to everyone involved,” her statement read in part.

Read More: Diddy’s Prosecutors Accuse Him Of Coercing Witnesses And Manipulating Public Narrative

Notes Suggesting Financial Exchanges Alleged Found In Diddy’s Jail Cell

Diddy Accused Of Paying Kalenna Harper To Defend Him Amid Dawn Richard Lawsuit
(L-R) Dawn Richard, Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs and Kalenna Harper of Diddy Dirty Money attend the 2011 BET Awards at The Shrine Auditorium on June 26, 2011 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jason LaVeris/FilmMagic)

“Many of the allegations and incidents described in this suit are not representative of my experiences,” it continued. “And some do not align with my own truth.” Late last month, Harper also came to Diddy’s defense during an interview with Break Beat Media. She labeled Cassie “naive,” and alleged that she liked to do drugs and party. Now, however, federal officials have come up with new evidence that appears to suggest Diddy allegedly paid her to defend him.

According to an exclusive report by AllHipHop, a new filing points to 128 total alleged communications between Diddy and Harper after Richard filed her lawsuit. Allegedly, their communication picked up shortly before Harper shared her public statement about the lawsuit. Notes officials accuse him of having in his jail cell also indicate that she was allegedly financially compensated for it.

Read More: Shyne Claims Diddy Never Offered Him Money To Be The Alleged Scapegoat For Club Shooting

[Via]

The post Diddy Accused Of Paying Kalenna Harper To Defend Him Amid Dawn Richard Lawsuit appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

50 Cent Has Faith In Lil Durk’s New Lawyer Amid Alleged Murder-For-Hire Case

by

It’s no secret that Lil Durk has quite the legal battle ahead of him. The Chicago rapper was arrested last month for alleged murder-for-hire conspiracy and more. He’s currently in custody in Los Angeles awaiting his trial, which is tentatively scheduled for January 7, 2025. Recently, he pleaded not guilty to the various charges against him. He did so with the help of Drew Findling, a lawyer who has previously represented the likes of Gucci Mane, Waka Flocka Flame, Lil Baby, Donald Trump, and more.

Now that Durk has Findling on his team, 50 Cent is confident in his ability to come out victorious. Earlier this week, he hopped on Instagram to react to Durk’s new legal representation, making it clear that he approves. “Lil Durk got Drew Findling on the case he sharp, if they didn’t cross their T’s and dot their i’s he gonna hit the bricks again. @bransoncognac @lecheminduroi,” he captioned a photo of Findling.

Read More: 50 Cent Creeped Out By Mike Tyson’s Latest Interview: “Keep The Kids Away”

50 Cent Continues To Praise Drew Findling

This isn’t the first time 50 Cent has sung the praises of Drew Findling, however. In January, YFN Lucci was hit with a 10-year prison sentence after pleading guilty to one count of violating the street gang terrorism and Prevention Act followed by another 10 years of parole. Reportedly, however, he could be coming home much sooner than that. Lucci was represented by Findling, per 50 Cent’s recommendation, which ultimately worked out in his favor.

At the time, 50 Cent recalled speaking with Lucci’s mother about her concerns, hearing rumblings of a 20-year sentence, and more. “I started feeling shaky about this sh*t, I said ‘Oh, sh*t.’ I started feeling cr*zy,” he explained. “I go, ‘Drew, is this real? Like 20 motherf*cking years?’ And he said, ‘Don’t worry about it, I’ve got it.’ […] Next thing you know, 20 years turned into four months. […] You need a lawyer motherf*cker? You need Drew Findling.“

Read More: 50 Cent Doesn’t Feel Good About Louisiana’s New Film Tax Cut

[Via]

The post 50 Cent Has Faith In Lil Durk’s New Lawyer Amid Alleged Murder-For-Hire Case appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Lil Durk Reportedly Breaks His Silence On Arrest In New Prison Phone Call

by

Last month, Lil Durk was arrested in Florida and hit with charges of murder-for-hire conspiracy and more. The Chicago rapper remains in custody, and earlier this week, he was transported to a prison in Los Angeles. He pleaded not guilty to his charges and is being held without bond until his trial, which is tentatively scheduled for January 7, 2025. According to ABC7, however, it’s “expected to be postponed.”

Fortunately, it sounds like Lil Durk is doing well despite the circumstances. Recently, one of his associates @900bruhbruh reportedly shared audio of their phone call with him from behind bars. In it, he asks Durk if he needs anything, and is seemingly told that he’s doing fine. He also reportedly denied being in protective custody, adding that he was being treated fairly well by the other inmates. His associate showed his support and called for Durk’s release.

Read More: Lil Durk Learns Tentative Trial Date During LA Court Appearance

Lil Durk Seems To Be Doing Well Behind Bars

“Just got off the phone with my brudda @lildurk he in good spirits staying positive and fighting to get back home to his kids and family,” 900bruhbruh captioned the post. “We not glorifying negativity, we’re more than just street guys. that’s actually a understatement we’re men of honor & code no matter our financial status..bro hit the Mainline with the rest of our kind…NO PC #FREESMURK #FREETRIGGAROME.” Fans are glad to hear Durk is reportedly in good spirits, and are petitioning for his freedom.

Durk’s arrest took place shortly after five alleged OTF affiliates were taken into custody. Authorities believe they were allegedly hired to carry out the murder of Quando Rondo in retaliation for King Von’s 2020 death. In 2022, Quando and his cousin Lul Pab were targets of a shooting at a Los Angeles gas station. Quando was able to walk away unscathed, but Lul Pab tragically succumbed to his injuries. Prosecutors accuse Durk of “rapping about his revenge” in an indictment unveiled earlier this month.

Read More: Lil Durk Pleads Not Guilty In Federal Murder-For-Hire Case

[Via]

The post Lil Durk Reportedly Breaks His Silence On Arrest In New Prison Phone Call appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Lil Durk Learns Tentative Trial Date During LA Court Appearance

by

According to USA Today, Lil Durk appeared in a Los Angeles federal courthouse for his arraignment yesterday (November 14). The Chicago rapper pleaded not guilty to the charges he’s facing, and prosecutors asked that he remain in custody while he awaits trial. They described him as an alleged “flight risk and a danger to the community.” He’ll be held without bail in LA until the trial, per U.S. Magistrate Judge Patricia Donahue’s orders, and his trial got a new tentative start date.

ABC7 reports that the trial has been scheduled to begin on January 7, 2025. The outlet notes, however, that it’s “expected to be postponed.” A status conference has also been scheduled for November 25 and a detention hearing for December 12.

Read More: Lil Durk Pleads Not Guilty In Federal Murder-For-Hire Case

Lil Durk’s Tentative Trial Date Is January 7, 2025

Lil Durk Learns Tentative Trial Date During LA Court Appearance
Rapper Lil Durk poses for a photo prior to an NFL football game between the San Francisco 49ers and the New York Giants at Levi’s Stadium on September 21, 2023 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)

Lil Durk was arrested last month and hit with a murder-for-hire charge. His arrest was shortly after five other alleged OTF affiliates were taken into custody. Authorities accuse them of being paid to carry out the murder of Quando Rondo as revenge for King Von’s 2020 death. In 2022, Quando and his cousin Lul Pab were victims of a shooting at an LA gas station. Quando survived while Lul Pab passed away as a result of his injuries.

Earlier this month, prosecutors unveiled a new indictment that includes additional charges against Durk and cites some of his song lyrics. The complete list of charges includes a count of conspiracy, a count of use of interstate facilities to commit murder-for-hire resulting in death, as well as a count of using, carrying, and discharging firearms and a machine gun and possession of such firearms in furtherance of a crime of violence resulting in death, according to WGN.

Read More: Lil Durk Reportedly Arrives At Los Angeles Federal Prison Over Alleged Murder-For-Hire

[Via]

The post Lil Durk Learns Tentative Trial Date During LA Court Appearance appeared first on HotNewHipHop.

Nelly Is Off The Hook Following Arrest For Alleged Ecstasy Possession

by

In August of this year, it was reported that Nelly was arrested by the Missouri State Highway Patrol at the Hollywood Casino. Allegedly, officers discovered he had a warrant and found four ecstasy pills in his possession. As the news spread, Nelly’s attorney Scott Rosenblum came to his defense, alleging that he was “targeted by an overzealous, out of line officer.” Allegedly, Nelly won a huge jackpot at the casino, and the officer falsely claimed they needed to run a background check before giving him his winnings.

Now, according to TMZ Hip Hop, prosecutors have decided not to issue him any charges. “We don’t believe the facts in this case warrant the issuing of charges,” a spokesperson for St. Louis County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office told the outlet. Rosenblum was able to provide even more insight into the decision. “Wesley Bell, the prosecuting attorney, and his office looked at all the circumstances and after a fair and impartial review of the evidence, declined to prosecute,” he revealed.

Read More: Ashanti Calls Nelly Her “Soulmate” While Gushing Uncontrollably Over Their Relationship

Nelly Will Not Be Charged

Nelly Is Off The Hook Following Arrest For Alleged Ecstasy Possession
Nelly performs at SunFest on May 3, 2024 in West Palm Beach, Florida. Greg Lovett / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Nelly’s warrant was for allegedly not having insurance during a previous traffic stop in December of 2018. Rosenblum alleged that the performer was not notified about the warrant. He also theorized that if he weren’t a celebrity, he’d simply be told about it and free to leave. Fortunately, it looks like nothing has come out of his arrest. This means he’s officially able to focus all of his attention on his undoubtedly busy life.

Earlier this year, he and Ashanti welcomed their first child together and announced that they got married. They’ve since been providing fans with occasional updates on their life together, which appears to be going well. During a recent interview with ET, for example, Ashanti had nothing but positive things to say about Nelly, confidently referring to him as her “soulmate.”

Read More: Ashanti Helps Nelly Celebrate His 50th Birthday With Adorable “Baby” Duet

[Via]

The post Nelly Is Off The Hook Following Arrest For Alleged Ecstasy Possession appeared first on HotNewHipHop.