trial

Twitter Reacts To Rumor Of “Not Guilty” Tory Lanez Verdict

by

With testimonies and closing statements bringing Tory Lanez’s trial to a close, many have been awaiting the jury’s verdict. On Thursday afternoon, word began circulating that the Toronto rapper was found not guilty with several outlets reporting it, though it has been found to be untrue.

According to legal reporter Meghann Cuniff, confusion likely stemmed from reporters handing out a verdict form, though the jury had two separate pages that read both guilty and not guilty.

“Reporters are passing around the verdict form in the hallway,” she said on Twitter. “I think there’s confusion online because people see the top of one page and think that’s it, but jury has two pages for each charge: One for not guilty and one for guilty. This is the assault charge. No verdict yet.”

READ MORE: Tory Lanez Will Not Testify, Verdict Could Arrive This Week: Report

Cuniff also revealed that the jury will continue their deliberations on Friday morning, making it likely that an actual verdict will be announced shortly after.

“The jury in Tory Lanez’s trial is coming back tomorrow at 9 a.m. for continued deliberations,” she also shared on Twitter, giving the public an update on the high-profile case.

Believing that the “Say It” rapper was found not guilty, many took to Twitter to share their thoughts following the rumor taking off. 

“Tory Lanez found not guilty. People are about to have a conniption,” one user wrote.

Another shared, “Tory lanez not guilty. Is the black man hate train up & running yet?”

“Tory Lanez found Not guilty,” someone else tweeted, adding “Let WW3 begin.”

Check back in with HotNewHipHop for updates on the upcoming verdict.

[Via]

Tory Lanez Not Charged With Witness Intimidation, Court Says Juror 39 Rode With Him In An Elevator

by

We’re hardly more than a week into Megan Thee Stallion and Tory Lanez’s trial. Already, though, the world is struggling to keep up with all the details pouring out of the courtroom. Seeing as this trial isn’t on full display like Johnny Depp and Amber Heard’s was previously this year, we’ve had a much less intimate look at what’s been going on behind closed doors.

What we know so far is that the Houston native’s former BFF, Kelsey Harris, didn’t come through. Prior to her time on the stand the prosecution said she would confirm that she was a witness to Lanez shooting her friend. Her testimony was instead full of forgetful moments, which have some (including Keri Hilson) speculating that she may be a victim of bribery.

In fact, the “Big Ole Freak” rapper’s own attorney, Alex Spiro, made claims that the “Bussin Back” artist looks to have been compromised. As a result of her spotty memory, the prosecution was able to play Harris’ previous interview. In that, she plainly says that the Canadian fired the weapon at her friend.

The discrepancies in Kelsey’s recent testimony and her old story have been undeniably raising eyebrows. So much so, in fact, that Los Angeles Deputy District Attorney Kathy Ta motioned to include two new charges of witness tampering on top of Lanez’s existing charges, according to Rolling Stone.

Specifically, she cited allegations that the “Say It” singer offered Thee Stallion and Harris a “$1 million bride” to keep quiet. Additionally, she mentioned California Penal Code 136.1 – a rule that makes dissuading a witness a crime.

Tory Lanez attends Rolling Stone Live Big Game Experience at Academy LA on February 13, 2022 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Jerod Harris/Getty Images for MCM)

Ta told the court, “It’s based on testimony by both the victim and Ms. (Kelsey) Harris [about] statements the defendant made in the car, offering them a million dollar.”

Seeing as the 27-year-old brought up the hush money earlier in the proceedings, Judge David Herriford had some questions. The DA shared that she wasn’t sure what Kelsey’s testimony would be. However, when the recording artist’s former friend was in agreeance with the claims, a filing decision was made.

Lanez’s lawyer, George Mgdesyan was quick to object. Furthermore, he argued that prosecutors have known what Harris would say since as early as September.

Ultimately, Judge Herriford sided with the father of one’s defence, rejecting the additional charges. “I think it’s unfair at this juncture, so I would deny that motion,” he said. He also noted that Tory’s team would be in a “difficult position” putting together a proper response on such short notice.

That’s not the only drama that’s been unfolding in the courtroom so far this week. On Monday (December 19), it was revealed that a female jury member was seen riding in an elevator with Lanez and his legal representatives.

Those live-tweeting from the courtroom say that the woman is known as Juror No. 39. “A younger light-skinned Black woman with braided hair. [Her] style of dress that included pink cheetah print pants last week. [She] was asked to stay behind, then she went back into chambers to talk to Judge Herriford,” Law and Crime‘s Meghann Cuniff wrote.

At this time, it remains unknown if there’s cause to remove the juror. It was additionally noted that she somehow knows Lanez “through Instagram.” However, she insists she can be “fair” because she “generally isn’t on social media.”

Reports say that Juror No. 39 was spotted with Tory on both Friday and Monday. During the latter, reporter James Queally was also on board. “I did not see them talking or hear any discussion of the case,” he confirmed.

As for Thee Stallion’s side of things, yesterday the court heard her former stylist’s testimony. Read all about that here, and check back later for any more updates.

[Via] [Via]

Nipsey Hussle Murder Case: Eric Holder Denied Bid To Reduce First-Degree Murder Conviction

by

A judge formally shot down Eric Holder’s bid to reduce his conviction from first-degree murder to a lesser charge.

Holder and his attorney appeared in court on Monday for his sentencing. However, the judge laid down the law when it came down to a motion requesting a reduction of the first-degree murder conviction to second-degree murder or voluntary manslaughter, per Fox11.

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – FEBRUARY 09: Nipsey Hussle arrives at the 2019 Roc Nation THE BRUNCH on February 09, 2019 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amanda Edwards/Getty Images)

In addition to trying to reduce the charge, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge H. Clay Jacke also shot down the possibility of a new trial. Holder’s attorney previously filed a motion for a new trial. The judge postponed Holder’s sentencing date until Feb. 22nd, 2022.

In July, a jury found Holder guilty of first-degree murder in the death of Nipsey Hussle. In addition, the jury also convicted Holder of two counts of attempted voluntary manslaughter, one count of possession of a firearm by a felon, and assault with a firearm.

During the trial, Holder’s attorney explained that his client shot Nipsey Hussle during a “heat of passion.” If you recall, the incident came about after the California rapper labeled him a snitch publicly. Holder’s lawyer explained that manslaughter charges were more suitable rather than first-degree murder. He said that Holder’s actions were a result of “impulse and rashness.”

Still, a jury found Holder guilty of intentionally using a firearm to cause great bodily harm against the victim.

The death of Nipsey Hussle rippled across the globe. The rapper died on March 31st, 2019 after he was struck by bullets. A medical examiner that testified in the trial said that a bullet ripped through Nipsey’s right abdomen and severed his spinal cord. If he were to survive the gunshot, Nipsey would’ve been paralyzed in his lower body.

We’ll keep you posted on any further updates surrounding Eric Holder’s sentencing for the murder of Nipsey Hussle.

[Via]

Gunna Will Plead The 5th If Called To Testify Against YSL

by

Gunna’s attorney, Steve Sadow, says that the rapper intends to plead the 5th if he’s called to testify against YSL. The news comes after Gunna recently accepted a plea deal to be released from Fulton County Jail.

“Yes but he will take the 5th and not testify,” Sadow said in messages shared by The Neighborhood Talk.

OKEECHOBEE, FLORIDA – MARCH 06: Gunna performs during the 2020 Okeechobee Music Festival at Sunshine Grove on March 06, 2020 in Okeechobee, Florida. (Photo by Tim Mosenfelder/WireImage)

Gunna accepted the deal in the courtroom last Wednesday. The judge sentenced him to five years in prison with one year served. However, the four remaining years were suspended, and instead, he will be subject to special conditions including 500 hours of community service.

“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,” Gunna said in a statement.

Despite the statement, fans online were quick to assume that Gunna had snitched on his associates. Sadow put these rumors to bed in a post on Instagram afterward.

“Gunna did not snitch to get out of jail,” Sadow wrote. “He has said nothing and is not cooperating. His plea statement cannot be used in court against any other defendant. So please stop spreading lies.”

As for Young Thug, his trial will begin in January. His attorney, Brian Steel, says that plea deals being offered to other members of YSL are proof his client is being targeted.

Check out Steve Sadow’s comments below via The Neighborhood Talk.

[Via]

Joe Budden On Megan Thee Stallion: “I Don’t Like That Girl”

by

Joe Budden admitted he doesn’t like Megan Thee Stallion while discussing Tory Lanez’s ongoing trial on The Joe Budden Podcast. Lanez is facing three felony assault charges for allegedly shooting Megan in 2020.

For the episode, Budden brought on his former colleague DJ Akademiks.

“I got some theories,” Budden said firstly on the show, before adding, “But what I can say is I’m finished with these n****s and I don’t like that girl. I can’t.”

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 13: Joe Budden speaks onstage during day 2 of REVOLT Summit x AT&T Summit on September 13, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Paras Griffin/Getty Images for Revolt)

He further continued: “Personally, I’ve seen this woman do horrible things to some really great people that I have longstanding relationships with here in this industry. So I’m biased. You can’t just treat my friends, and people I fuck with, and people I’ve seen in this game for 15 years a certain way.”

Budden’s comments come following forensic scientist Marc Scott Taylor’s testimony on Friday. They claimed that Tory Lanez’s DNA was not found on the magazine of the gun used to shoot Megan Thee Stallion. Tests as to whether his DNA was anywhere else on the gun additionally came back inconclusive.

The trial began in Los Angeles back on December 12. Megan Thee Stallion has already testified to the court that Lanez shot her and tried to buy her silence. He is facing charges of assault with a semiautomatic firearm, personal use of a firearm, and also carrying a loaded, unregistered firearm in a vehicle. Lanez faces up to 22 years in prison if convicted. He has already pleaded not guilty.

The trial will continue on Monday.

Check out Joe Budden’s recent comments on Megan Thee Stallion and Tory Lanez below.

[Via]

Megan Thee Stallion Reveals How Tory Lanez Trial Impacts Her BF Pardison Fontaine

by

If there’s anything we’ve learned from watching Megan Thee Stallion and Tory Lanez’s long-awaited trial play out over the past few days, it’s that this whole situation has been anything but easy for the Houston native. From the injuries she sustained during the traumatic incident to having to recount all the details on the stand in front of the courtroom all these years later, the rapper has had to put on a seriously brave face in the midst of chaos.

Among the details shared by the 27-year-old during her Tuesday (December 13) testimony was an update on her current relationship. As you may recall, Thee Stallion has been dating fellow recording artist Pardison Fontaine for over two years now.

Pardison “Pardi” Fontaine and Megan Thee Stallion attend the BET Awards 2021 at Microsoft Theater on June 27, 2021 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Amy Sussman/FilmMagic)

“I feel disgusted, I feel dirty, my own partner is embarrassed,” she admitted on the stand earlier this week. “I can’t even be happy, I don’t want to talk to friends or family.”

Those who have been closely keeping tabs on the ongoing trial know that elsewhere in her comments, Megan admitted to previously having been intimate with Lanez. Prior to the trial, she had denied being intimate with the “Say It” singer. Now, however, the truth is coming to light.

Additionally, names like Ben Simmons and DaBaby are linked to both Thee Stallion and her former best friend, Kelsey Harris. Ultimately, the former seemingly denied the allegations with a clip of Rick Ross on his Instagram Story.

The latter, however, substantiated such claims before with his own song, “BOOGEYMAN.”

Aside from putting a strain on her romantic relationship with Pardi, the “Hot Girl Summer” hitmaker has also found her mental health struggling in the years since the shooting. So much so, in fact, that she’s been experiencing suicidal thoughts.

“I don’t want to live,” she told the court. “I wish he had just shot and killed me if I had to go through this torture.”

Read Megan Thee Stallion’s full breakdown of the shooting timeline here. Additionally, check back with HNHH later for more pop culture news updates.

[Via] [Via]

Megan Thee Stallion’s Ex-BFF Kelsey Harris Backtracks On Previous Statements

by

As the trial between Megan Thee Stallion and Tory Lanez continues, the case has taken an interesting turn.

One of the key testifiers in the trial is Kelsey Harris, Megan’s ex-best friend, and former personal assistant.

Megan Thee Stallion speaks at the 2022 Forbes 30 Under 30 Summit at Detroit Opera House. (Photo by Taylor Hill/Getty Images for ABA)

Harris was present when the alleged shooting took place two years ago. Tory’s lawyers are reportedly denying that the Canadian rapper is the shooter, indicating instead that the influencer is responsible.

Lanez’s defense argues that the shooting was a result of an alleged argument between the “Savage” rapper and her then-BFF. During her testimony yesterday (December 14), reports say that Harris has been all over the place in her recounts of the situation.

L.A. Times Courts Reporter James Queally is covering the case on Twitter. “She’s saying she doesn’t remember things she said to prosecutors during a September interview, which was recorded,” he wrote in a tweet, referencing the influencer.

During this recorded interview from September, Harris allegedly confessed to some key details in the case. However, she is now backtracking on these claims.

“Critically, she wouldn’t confirm she saw Lanez with the gun (which she said in the recorded interview) or that Lanez threatened to shoot her (which she said in the recorded interview),” Queally wrote later in the Twitter threat.

She is also reportedly denying that Lanez is responsible for offering her hush money. On Tuesday (December 13), Meg testified that he did.

Furthermore, reports indicate that the KN Management founder is going through a lot at this time. “Harris is saying she’s struggling with postpartum depression and a recent death in the family and her ‘mind isn’t here right now,’” the reporter continues.

As a result, the judge has informed the jury that they are unable to consider the September recording as evidence. Harris was granted immunity in her testimony after initially asserting her 5th amendment right.

In an interview with Rolling Stone in June, the “Savage” rapper admits to subsequently falling out with her friend after the incident. The influencer was allegedly hanging out with Lanez after the events took place.

Additionally, the Houston native testified for herself at the beginning of the trial, explaining her side of the story and the timeline of events. Facing several felony counts, Lanez will face more than 22 years in prison if found guilty.

The trial began earlier this week and is expected to last until at least the end of next.

Finally, what do you think about this new update? Comment below and stay tuned to HNHH for the latest updates.

[via] [via] [via]

Kelsey Harris Granted Immunity In Tory Lanez Trial

by

Judge David Herriford has granted immunity to Kelsey Harris in the ongoing trial for Tory Lanez regarding the shooting of Megan Thee Stallion. Harris appeared in court to testify on Wednesday.

During her testimony, she initially asserted her 5th Amendment right until immunity was granted. This was done despite the District Attorney claiming they had no plans of prosecuting her.

LONDON, ENGLAND – JULY 05: Tory Lanez performs on stage during Wireless Festival 2019 on July 05, 2019 in London, England. (Photo by Lorne Thomson/Redferns)

Regardless, Judge Herriford admitted her concerns were “legitimate.”

On the stand, Harris described the trial as a “triggering situation,” adding that she doesn’t “care to be here today.”

“This is happening in the face of a million people, my name being thrown around, lies,” she said. “I didn’t ask to be in this.”

She later addressed public accusations about her being the one to shoot Megan. “I mean, it’s ridiculous. It’s ridiculous,” she said of the rumors.

“Kelsey spent a little less than 40 minutes on the stand, saying a lot of her memory of the party was ‘blurry’ because of alcohol consumption,” LA Times reporter James Queally reported of the testimony.

Kelsey Harris also reportedly described Megan as acting out & being drunk at a party before the shooting.

The trial between Lanez and Megan began on Monday. Lanez is facing three felony counts and could face 22 years in prison if convicted. The charges stem from a 2020 incident where he is accused of shooting Megan.

In the last two days, Lanez has denied being the one to pull the trigger at the time. Megan also testified in court on Tuesday, detailing the night in question from her perspective.

Check out the latest updates from the trial from Rolling Stone’s Nancy Dillon.

[Via]

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

by

With less than a month until the YSL RICO trial officially begins, Young Thug is receiving another slew of charges. Thankfully, these ones are just misdemeanours. Still, though, they’re causing speedbumps for the “Day Before” hitmaker on his hopeful road to freedom.

On Monday (December 12), WSB-TV broke the news that Jeffrey Williams is in hot water for street racing, reckless driving, and speeding. He apparently drove a vehicle at 120 MPH during a May joyride on Interstate 85.

Young Thug and Guna attend dinner celebrating Young Thug’s album “Punk” on October 25, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia.(Photo by Prince Williams/Wireimage)

In response to these new claims, Thugger’s attorney, Brian Steel is maintaining his client’s innocence. “As of two weeks ago, that case was being resolved with a seatbelt violation,” he explained in a statement. “Today, now its indicted in the Fulton County Superior Court.”

Because of this, the rapper’s legal team deeply feels as though the system is doing him wrong.

Days before these new accusations came out, headlines revealed that prosecutors are currently working to ban video cameras from the January trial. At this time, several witnesses have been expressing concern for their safety if their testimony goes public.

“The State is concerned that video recordings of witnesses’ and victims’ faces could endanger these individuals’ safety,” a motion filed by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis says.

She also wrote, “The State is concerned about the impact upon due process and the truth-finding function of the judicial proceeding. Witnesses may be afraid to testify and provide full information if they are aware they are being video-recorded, and that their personal safety could be jeopardized as a result of their testimony.”

Previously, Willis filed another motion attempting to have the YSL RICO trial pushed back to March of next year. Her reasoning was to ensure that everyone in the indictment has adequate legal representation.

However, a Judge wants to ensure that Young Thug and Gunna have a fair chance at freedom. They’ve each been denied bond multiple times since their arrest in May. Read more about that here, and check back with HNHH later for more hip-hop news updates.

[Via] [Via]

Tory Lanez & Megan Thee Stallion Trial Officially Underway

by

It’s been over two years since Tory Lanez allegedly shot Megan Thee Stallion in the foot. The trial is finally getting underway in Los Angeles.

Opening remarks serve as the first order of business and will begin today (December 12). The Canadian faces three felony counts.

Tory Lanez attends Sorry For What Event on September 28, 2022 in New York City. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/WireImage)

If convicted of all charges, including assault and having a concealed weapon in a vehicle, he could spend upwards of 22 years in prison.

However, the Brampton-born rapper continues to maintain his innocence. He has pleaded not guilty to the felonies against him. It currently remains unclear if he will testify. His alleged victim, though, is due to take the stand later this week, according to a spokesman for the LA County DA’s office.

In August 2020, the “Savage” rapper officially came forward during an Instagram Live to accuse the 30-year-old of shooting her in the foot. The incident allegedly took place in July outside of a party hosted by Kylie Jenner in the Hollywood Hills.

The “Say It” singer broke his own silence the following month. He subsequently released DAYSTAR, a 17-track album in which he addresses his side of the story on multiple songs.

Namely, on “Money Over Fallouts,” the lyricist questions how Thee Stallion could’ve gotten shot in the foot without getting hit in any bones or tendons. Lanez’s first charge stemming from the incident came in October 2020.

On the other hand, the Traumazine rapper continues to defend her allegations.

She has never been afraid to clap back at people online who question her reality and trauma. The Texas native criticizes the difference in attitude towards violence against Black women compared to the dismissal of her truth.

In her April interview with CBS Mornings host Gayle King, the 27-year-old detailed her side of the story on television for the first time.

Stemming from a separate alleged assault with fellow artist August Alsina, the world was witness to Lanez subsequently being placed on house arrest in October. He has since been released.

Just last week, Lanez’s lawyer revealed that Kylie Jenner and Cory Gamble are among the possible witnesses of the alleged assault. Both were present at the 2020 party that the incident followed.

“I want him to go to jail,” Meg said of Tory when speaking to Rolling Stone earlier this year. The trial is expected to last at least two weeks.

Make sure to stay tuned to HNHH for the latest updates in the trial. What do you think the outcome will be? Comment down below.

[via] [via] [via]