Young Thug, born Jeffery Lamar Williams, is a prominent rapper whose career has recently endured significant legal troubles. He’s amidst a high-profile legal case involving his label, YSL Records. Here is Young Thug’s YSL trial update, along with shocking moments.
Why are Young Thug and his alleged YSL affiliates on trial?
The YSL trial began in 2022 and is now Georgia’s longest-running criminal trial at 18 months. Prosecutors have charged the defendants with racketeering, conspiracy, and violent crimes, alleging that YSL (Young Stoner Life) Records functions as a criminal enterprise. Administrative errors and delays since January have exacerbated the situation, and many fans view the trial as a circus. The trial’s extended timeline continues to raise questions.
Judge Ural Glanville Holds Brian Steel in Contempt
One significant moment in the trial occurred when Judge Glanville held attorney Brian Steel in contempt. During a chaotic and heated courtroom exchange, The New York Times reported that Steel accused the judge and prosecutors of having an “unconstitutional closed-door meeting” with Kenneth “Lil’ Woody” Copeland. Steel’s refusal to disclose who informed him about the meeting forced Judge Glanville to order him to serve ten weekends in Fulton County jail. Steel requested to be jailed with his client so that he could continue working on the case.
On June 12, the Georgia Supreme Court granted an emergency request for bond, allowing Steel to remain free while he appeals his contempt charge.
Events Leading Up To Judge Glanville’s Recusal
Copeland is accused of being an associate of YSL, Young Thug’s record label. Copeland, along with Young Thug’s attorneys, have explained that “YSL” stands for “Young Stoner Life,” but prosecutors claim it stands for “Young Slime Life,” which is a violent street gang.
On June 7, Copeland refused to take the stand asserting his 5th Amendment right and ended up in jail for the weekend. He returned on June 10 (after the ex-parte communications with Judge Glanville) and testified about his connections to Young Thug and YSL.
Once Steel and other defendants learned about the ex-parte communications, the legal teams filed multiple complaints to recuse Glanville from the case. Per NPR, Judge Rachel Krause took two weeks to review the motions before granting the recusal on Monday, July 15.
“The necessity of preserving the public’s confidence in the judicial system’ weighs in favor of excusing Judge Glanville from further handling of this case,” Krause stated per the outlet.
Interestingly, Judge Krause shared that while her decision stands, she believes that Glanville could have presided over the case.
Following the recusal, Judge Shukura Ingram recused herself from the case after 24 hours.
Will The YSL Trial End In A Mistrial?
Viewers can expect to hear “Brady Material” often during this trial. Merriam-Webster defines it as evidence favorable to the defendant that the prosecution must disclose. Young Thug’s attorneys, Brian Steel and Keith Adams have claimed that the prosecution committed multiple Brady violations.
This omission has become a central issue in the trial, prompting Superior Court Judge Paige Reese Whitaker, the newest and third judge, to rule that any testimony or evidence presented after June 12, is inadmissible due to Georgia’s case law, including Copeland’s previous testimony. Additionally, the new judge has given prosecutors until the end of the week to respond to defense attorneys’ calls for a mistrial.
On Aug. 6, the rapper’s attorneys filed a motion to disqualify the top two prosecutors. They alleged that the prosecutors attempted to hide the Brady evidence. Judge Whitaker will also reconsider requests to remove some prosecutors from the case due to alleged misconduct.
The YSL trial is rolling full steam ahead.
Per Atlanta News First, Judge Reese, attorneys, and prosecutors will hold motions hearings during the week of Aug. 19. These hearings are expected to be completed by Aug. 20, and court will resume later in the week.
What are your thoughts on the YSL trial update? Let’s chat in the comment section below.
Follow MEFeater on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest for more celebrity news and updates.
