verdict Archives - New Hip Hop News

Slowthai Found Not Guilty In Rape Case

December 16, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Slowthai has been found not guilty of allegedly raping two women at a house party following a concert in Oxford, in September 2021. After 10 hours of deliberation, the jury decided against convicting him and his co-defendant, Alex Blake-Walker of three counts of rape. According to The Guardian, Slowthai broke into tears after they read the verdict.

The rapper’s defense attorney, Patrick Gibbs KC, said in his closing statements that Slowthai “wasn’t everybody’s stereotype of a rapper”, but instead a “thoughtful” and “modest” man who “throws himself, sometimes recklessly, into life.” He added: “Even if he [Mr Frampton] is acquitted, it [the allegations] will not leave him,” suggesting “he’ll be canceled for the rest of time.”

Slowthai Performs During Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival

Slowthai performs at That Tent during the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival held in Manchester. Tenn., on Saturday, June 18, 2022. © Brianna Paciorka/News Sentinel / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

As for the allegation, the two women say Slowthai and Blake-Walker met them before the show and provided them with VIP tickets. Afterward, they joined the two on their tour bus before eventually going to one of the women’s houses. Prosecutor Heather Stangoe further alleged that Slowthai and Blake-Walker raped the two women on the roof and gave each other high-fives as it happened. She also claimed the women’s friends realized what was happening and broke it up. The two women went to the police that same night. Judge Ian Pringle said during the trial that the case was a “question of consent” and that there was “no stereotype for a perpetrator or victim of rape.”

Slowthai broke onto the mainstream scene in 2019 with the release of his critically acclaimed album, Nothing Great About Britain. He followed that up with Tyron in 2021 before most recently releasing Ugly in 2023. He earned a Grammy nomination for Best Dance Recording in 2021 for “My High” with Disclosure and Aminé.

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Young Thug Is Getting High Praise From YSL RICO Trial Jurors

December 5, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Young Thug received some high praise from members of the jury for the YSL RICO trial after the case finally wrapped up, earlier this week. Two of the jurors discussed the acquittal verdict with Melanie Goolsby on her YouTube show, I’m Not a Lawyer But…, as caught by Meghann Cuniff. In doing one, one of them spoke very highly of Thug.

“I honestly didn’t know anything about his music. And to be honest, the way that they presented him in his trial… They wanted him to look in this negative light,” she said. “But I saw somebody who kinda pulled himself up, got himself out of the position that he was in and tried to help other people around. So it actually shined a more positive light in my eyes than what the state was trying to present.” She added: “I wish him continued success with everything.”

Young Thug Attends The BET Hip Hop Awards

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 01: Young Thug attends the 2021 BET Hip Hop Awards at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Center on October 01, 2021, in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Johnny Nunez/2021 BET Hip Hop Awards/Getty Images for BET)

In a separate interview with WSB-TV, as caught by HipHopDX, Jury foreman Jason Collins explained that the state’s decision to use Thug’s lyrics against him didn’t sit well with him. “I believe in freedom of speech, regardless of if we agree or disagree,” he said. “It’s a very thin line to take lyrics and put them into trial. [Young Thug] is an artist, he’s expressing himself, and I think that weg o into a slippery slope when we start to analyze lyrics and music. That is something that I have to disagree with wholeheartedly. I personally don’t believe that lyrics should have been brought into the format.”

Jurors Reflect On The YSL RICO Trial

Thug got out of jail after taking a plea deal in the case, which results in him spending the next 15 years on probation, among several other restrictions. The historically lengthy trial finally wrapped up with the not guilty verdict of Yak Gotti on Tuesday. Check out the jurors’ full comments on Young Thug below.

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Jury foreman on whether he had heard enough evidence to find .@youngthug guilty of being the leader of a criminal street gang.
.@wsbtv pic.twitter.com/kstWzuGpeh

— Michael Seiden (@SeidenWSBTV) December 3, 2024

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YSL Jurors Explain Decision To Acquit Yak Gotti In Massive RICO Trial

December 4, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Two members of the jury for the YSL RICO trial explained their verdict in the case during an interview with Melanie Goolsby on YouTube on Tuesday night. The discussion comes after the jury returned verdicts for the final two co-defendants, Yak Gotti and Shannon Stillwell, earlier in the day. Some members of the jury reportedly were able to agree that YSL is technically a gang, but the group didn’t feel they constitute an “enterprise.”

“Was it this whole big organized thing, or was it just a bunch of people that were affiliated with each other doing individual stuff to take care of their families or to get revenge?” she said, as caught by Meghann Cuniff. Overall, the group agreed there simply wasn’t enough evidence. “Most of the overt acts were Instagram pictures. A lot of us kind of feel like, I’m not about to put nobody in jail for, like, Instagram pictures,” she added.

Young Thug Performs During Life Is Beautiful Music & Art Festival

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – SEPTEMBER 19: Young Thug performs onstage during the 2021 Life Is Beautiful Music & Art Festival on September 19 2021 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic for Life is Beautiful Music & Art Festival)

One of the jurors admitted she didn’t know much about Young Thug before the trial, but left with a more positive impression of him. She described him as someone who “pulled himself up, you know, got himself out of the position that he was in, and tried to help other people.” She added: “It actually shined a more positive light in my eyes than what the state was trying to present.”

YSL Jurors Speak Out On The Verdict

As for the entirety of Tuesday’s verdict, the jury found Gotti not guilty on all charges. They found Stillwell, on the other hand, guilty of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon previously convicted involving the use or possession of a firearm, but not guilty on all other charges. The verdict comes after Young Thug accepted a plea deal in the case in October. Check out the jurors’ discussion with Melanie Goolsby below.

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Yak Gotti Is Found Not Guilty On All Charges

December 3, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Yak Gotti is finally going to be a free man. According to court room footage from DJ Akademiks on X, the YSL affiliate is not guilty on any of his charges. “You have been found not guilty on all charges,” the judge told Gotti and his attorney. After hearing that relieving news, all the rapper could do was send a prayer thanking God. He also let out a huge sigh of relief, and given all he’s been through, it’s more than understandable. Gotti was one of two members of Young Thug’s label to hear their fate in court today. The was found guilty on just one charge of possession of a firearm by a convicted felon. Overall, it’s really impressive comeback for YSL and his signees after a truly wild set of trials and hearings.

Speaking of which, yesterday was this entire case in nutshell. WSB-TV reported that on December 1, Gotti was stabbed in the Fulton County Jail. He sustained “minor injuries,” but was obviously and thankfully okay enough to be able to stand in court today. Right now, fans are extremely happy to see them win on social media. “YSL with the 3-1 comeback to beat the Rico love to see it,” one X user writes. “LETS GOOOOOOO,” another exclaims.

Yak Gotti Is Coming Home

Verdict Read in YSL case. YAK GOTTI found Not Guilty on all charges. pic.twitter.com/zZYgk1J8nm

— DJ Akademiks (@Akademiks) December 3, 2024

Others are just confused as to why this all took so long. “So the entire trial was a waste of everyone’s time,” another pens. With entire RICO ordeal now patched up, how the group moves going forward will be something to monitor closely. Do they drop new music sometime early next year? Do they take some time off to get their bearings?

Right now, things aren’t looking too great, at least in terms of Young Thug’s situation. He’s currently got a lot on his plate thanks to his 15 years of probation. Additionally, he seems to be totally done with Gunna, who he specifically requested to keep in contact with. Overall, it’s probably going to take a long time before things somewhat get back to normal. But at the end of the day, YSL is slowly getting back on its feet, and that’s what fans want to see.

Read More: Kendrick Lamar “GNX” Review

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Donald Trump Found Guilty On 34 Felony Counts Of Falsifying Business Records

May 30, 2024 by newhiphopnews

Today, a New York jury finally reached a verdict in former U.S. President Donald Trump’s trial, which began in April. He pleaded not guilty to 34 counts of falsifying business records in connection to a hush-money scheme, but the jury found him guilty. He’s now the first president in U.S. history to be convicted of a felony.

The verdict was reached following roughly 9.5 hours of jury deliberation, which began yesterday (May 29). Reportedly, Trump stared straight ahead motionless while the verdict was read aloud in the courtroom. He later turned to face the jury as each member individually confirmed it.

Donald Trump To Be Sentenced On July 11

Donald Trump Found Guilty On 34 Felony Charges Of Falsifying Business Records — Former U.S. President Donald Trump speaks to the media after voting at a polling station setup in the Morton and Barbara Mandel Recreation Center on March 19, 2024, in Palm Beach, Florida. Trump, along with other registered Republican voters, cast ballots in the Presidential Preference Primary. There wasn’t a ballot or election for Democrats since the Florida Democratic Party only provided the name of Joseph R. Biden Jr. (Photo by Joe Raedle/Getty Images)

Judge Juan Merchan thanked the jury, sharing plans to thank them individually later, though he can’t discuss information related to the case. “You gave this matter the attention it deserved, and I want to thank you for that,” he said. Trump’s attorney then Todd Blanche motioned for an acquittal after the jury left the room, which was denied. His sentencing has been scheduled for July 11.

“This was a disgrace,” Trump said following the verdict. “This was a rigged trial by a conflicted judge who was corrupt.” What do you think of Donald Trump being found guilty on all 34 felony counts of falsifying business records? What about him becoming the first U.S. president to be convicted of a felony? Share your thoughts in the comments section down below, and keep an eye on HNHH for more updates.

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FBG Duck’s Mother Reacts To Guilty Verdict In Son’s Murder’s Case

January 18, 2024 by newhiphopnews

FBG Duck’s murder’s trial finally got a verdict, as the court found six O-Block members guilty for his tragic passing. Moreover, his mother recently took to social media to share her reaction along with presumably loved ones and family members present at the proceeding. For a chunk of the video, she simply walks and stares at the camera as her colleagues joke around, saying “Pop that booty juice!” for whatever reason. “I wanna see y’all tonight at my house,” the rapper’s mother exclaimed. “We popping bottles, we celebrating. We havin’ a ‘justice served’ party for Duck tonight.

“Y’all don’t wanna know what I’ve been through,” FBG Duck’s mother continued. “These motherf***ers smug talking about, ‘They still breathing. Duck dead.’ One of the lil’ girls walked behind us and said, ‘He ain’t never coming back, though.’ What? So y’all thought that s**t would happen the way it happened? And a motherf***er was gonna get away with it? What y’all think finna happen next? The way they threw them people up under that bus. The way they mentioned Lil Durk’s name. Baby, you better f***ing know it! Well, you better know it.

FBG Duck’s Mother Speaks On His Son’s Accused Killers’ Guilty Verdict

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“I ain’t did s**t wrong,” FBG Duck’s mother stated. “Nothing. Nothing wrong. They’re finna come and talk to me. Look, can I speak with you? Is it okay?” Then, she answered questions from a reporter. “Yes, [I feel like they served justice]. Look, from being kicked out the courtroom three times to just allowing God to do his work. And that’s all I’ve been, is steel. When stuff like that happen to a good person, regardless of what somebody else think of them, it ain’t gon’ go unpunished. Vengeance… I could never want another mother to feel like this. To see they child shot down in the street like a dog. Okay? They had an FBG Duck death party. That’s how it meant to them. They threw an FBG Duck death party! Same thing that make you laugh gon’ make your a** cry.

“That’s all I’ma say about that,” she concluded. “Knowing that they would not do that to another family brings me comfort. Knowing they will not terrorize nobody else. They’re done, the whole crew. O-Block and everything of it is done, they a** is done. They coming to get me now. Bye, y’all.” For more news and the latest updates on his case, log back into HNHH.
Rest In Peace FBG Duck.

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Jonathan Majors Spotted In N.Y.C. Following Guity Verdict

December 19, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Jonathan Majors took a stroll in New York City on Tuesday following his guilty verdict in the trial regarding the assault of his ex-girlfriend, Grace Jabbari. TMZ published photos of the disgraced actor getting coffee and appearing unbothered. A New York jury found him guilty of misdemeanor assault and harassment the day before.

In the pictures, Majors rocks a red plaid shirt with a matching beanie and black jacket. Notably, he’s only holding one coffee, and his partner, Meagan Good, is nowhere to be seen. She’s been by his side throughout the trial.

Jonathan Majors Leaves Court After Guilty Verdict

TOPSHOT – US actor Jonathan. Majors (C) leaves a courtroom after being found guilty of assault and harassment of his former girlfriend, at the Manhattan criminal courts in New. York City on December 18, 2023. Rising Hollywood star Jonathan Majors was convicted on December 18, 2023 of assaulting and harassing his ex-girlfriend Grace. Jabbari, prompting Marvel to drop him from a prime role in its superhero blockbusters. (Photo by Yuki IWAMURA / AFP) (Photo by YUKI IWAMURA/AFP via Getty Images)

Majors’ attorney, Priya Chaudhry, says the actor remains confident in the legal process. He “looks forward to fully clearing his name.” She said in a statement to NBC News: “It is clear that the jury did not believe Grace Jabbari’s story of what happened in the SUV because they found that Mr. Majors did not intentionally cause any injuries to her. We are grateful for that. We are disappointed, however, that despite not believing Ms. Jabbari, the jury nevertheless found that Mr. Majors was somehow reckless while she was attacking him.”

Jabbari’s attorney, Ross Kramer, conversely told CNN: “Ms. Jabbari testified publicly & truthfully, even though reliving these traumatic events on the witness stand was obviously painful. Unfortunately, for every survivor like Ms. Jabbari who comes forward to hold their abuser accountable, there are many others who believe that they cannot. We hope that her actions will inspire other survivors to speak their truth and seek justice.” We’re not permitted to post the new images of Majors directly on HotNewHipHop. If you’d like to see them, you can do so by clicking the “Via” link below.

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Jonathan Majors’ Attorney Speaks Out After Guilty Verdict

December 19, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Jonathan Majors’ attorney, Priya Chaudhry, has spoken out following the actor’s guilty verdict in his trial regarding the assault of his ex-girlfriend, Grace Jabbari. A New York jury found him guilty of misdemeanor assault and harassment on Monday. Chaudhry says that Majors will continue to trust the legal process and “looks forward to fully clearing his name.”

She began in her statement to NBC News: “It is clear that the jury did not believe Grace Jabbari’s story of what happened in the SUV because they found that Mr. Majors did not intentionally cause any injuries to her. We are grateful for that. We are disappointed, however, that despite not believing Ms. Jabbari, the jury nevertheless found that Mr. Majors was somehow reckless while she was attacking him.”

Priya Chaudhry Leaves Court During Jonathan Majors’ Trial

NEW YORK, NEW YORK – MAY 09: Priya Chaudhry, lawyer for Jonathan Majors, leaves Manhattan Criminal court on May 9, 2023 in New York City. Majors’ is on trial for an alleged domestic assault of his girlfriend, Grace Jabbari. (Photo by Alexi J. Rosenfeld/Getty Images)

“Mr. Majors is grateful to God, his family, his friends, and his fans for their love and support during these harrowing eight months. Mr. Majors still has faith in the process and looks forward to fully clearing his name,” she concluded. Majors did not testify during the trial. In response to the verdict, Marvel Studios cut all ties with Majors. He previously played Kang the Conqueror in various MCU projects and the company planned to have him star in the 2026 film, Avengers: The Kang Dynasty.

Priya Chaudhry Speaks Out

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After the jury determined Majors guilty, the judge set his sentencing date for February 6. At that hearing, he will face the possibility of spending one year behind bars, although probation and mandated treatment is a more likely outcome. Be on the lookout for further updates on Jonathan Majors on HotNewHipHop.

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Jussie Smollett Loses Appeal, Vows To Take Case To The Supreme Court

December 1, 2023 by newhiphopnews

Jussie Smollett has lost his appeal for fabricating a violent hate crime against himself. An appeals panel ruled 2-1 against Smollett, meaning his original 150-day prison sentence will be upheld. However, Smollett announced in the hours after the verdict that he wasn’t done fighting. “We wish to highlight that the decision was divided, with Justice Lyle offering a detailed analysis in favor of Smollett. We are preparing to escalate this matter to the Supreme Court, armed with a substantial body of evidence,” a representative for Smollett said.

While he waited on his verdict, Smollett entered rehab. Representatives for Jussie Smollett have told TMZ that the actor entered rehab in mid-October to address unspecified issues. “Jussie has had an extremely difficult past few years. He has quietly been working very hard for some time now and we are proud of him for taking these necessary steps,” a statement from his team read. Furthermore, the outlet was told that Smollett is in an outpatient program. However, many viewed the move as an attempt to garner sympathy ahead of his appeal verdict.

Jussie Smollett “Attackers” Criticize Rehab Move

Some of the most vocal critics of Smollett’s rehab timing were the two men he hired to attack him. Ola and Bola Osundario spoke with TMZ, the brothers said that Smollett had a problem that required rehab, he should have checked himself in a long time, not when his court ruling was imminent. Furthermore, the brothers argued that the rehab move is a sympathy play. They believe Smollett is trying to earn house arrest rather than being sent to prison. It’s unknown when Smollett left rehab.

However, Smollett’s decision to elevate his case to the Supreme Court complicates matters. It’s unclear if he will be remanded into custody while his latest, and likely final, appeal plays out. Furthermore, the timeline of when his case would be heard by the Illinois Supreme Court is also unknown. This remains a developing story and we’ll have any updates as and when they emerge.

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YNW Melly Verdict: Betting Website Accepts Wagers As Rapper Continues To Gain Streamers

July 10, 2023 by newhiphopnews

It was reported last week that YNW Melly’s double murder trial will likely go on for at least another month. The 23-year-old has been behind bars on accusations of killing his two friends – YNW Juvy and YNW SakChaser – in 2018. Nevertheless, he’s consistently maintained his innocence. Melly’s trial so far has been filled with ups and downs. At this time, it’s hard to say whether the embattled artist will walk away a free man, or face the death penalty for his alleged crimes.

As Vibe reports, the internet continues to speculate about what the Florida native’s fate will be. Of course, some people are bypassing taste completely with their discourse. For instance, @betonline_ag is offering a $100 Freeplay to one lucky winner who comments under a recent Instagram post with their opinion on whether Melly is guilty or not. “Bet on @ynwmelly’s trial at the link in @BetOnline_ag’s bio and get a sign-up bonus of up to $1,000,” the company further urged viewers.

Guilty or Innocent?

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As expected, the comment section has filled with reactions, some of them insisting that Melly is responsible for his friend’s deaths and others siding with the “Murder on my Mind” hitmaker. “No way y’all got odds for bro freedom ,” one person responded to the post on Sunday (July 9). “He literally made a song admitting it ,” another pointed out.

Speaking of his music, as Bryson “Boom” Paul reports, Melly’s streaming numbers have consistently increased since his trial began in June. This week there was a 1.2% growth, marking 143,445 new monthly listeners. While still impressive, it’s actually the accused killer’s lowest increase as of late.

YNW Melly’s Streaming Numbers Continue to Climb

Have you been helping to run up YNW Melly’s music amid his double murder trial? If yes, let us know which of his songs is your favourite in the comments. For more hip-hop/pop culture news updates, tap back in with HNHH again later.

#YNWMellyTrial: As week four of the trial begins, @YNWMelly monthly listeners have continued to increase weekly. This week monthly listeners increased by 1.2%, with 143,445 new monthly listeners — his lowest weekly increase since the trial began — in a week.

He is increasing… pic.twitter.com/jE50p4wJG5

— Bryson “Boom” Paul (@brysonboompaul) July 10, 2023

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