The opening statements for rapper Young Thug’s RICO trial started Nov. 27, WSB-TV reports.
It’s been almost a year and half since the Atlanta native was indicted under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, along with members of the alleged gang Young Slime Life.
The case has been described as one of the most historic and expensive trials taking place in Fulton County, Georgia. Thug, whose real name is Jeffery Williams, was arrested in May 2022 and has been in jail ever since, with several bond requests being denied by Judge Ural Glanville.
Thug is one of six defendants who have entered not guilty pleas on all charges on crimes dating back to 2015. The charges include murders and attempted murders. Thug is also accused of being the leader of a violent Atlanta-area street gang affiliated with the national Bloods gang. Even before the trial started, there has been a swirl of controversial factors, including its anticipated length, contraband being present in the courtroom during jury selection, and a courtroom deputy being arrested for having an inappropriate affair with a defendant.
However, the most head-turning event occurred when a Fulton County judge granted permission for rap lyrics to be included as evidence against the defendants.
According to CNN, defense attorney Brian Steel said Thug “committed no crime whatsoever” which goes against what is being said in court. Popular legal affairs journalist Meghann Cuniff took to Twitter to post some of the opening statements made by the district attorney, which she deemed jaw-dropping.
“What you will not hear any evidence of is that the defendants were not involved in a criminal street gang,” the lawyer can be heard saying.
“This is the kind of burden shifting that leads to convictions being overturned,” Cuniff continued.
While Atlanta Police Chief Rodney Bryant named Thug as “one of Atlanta’s top offenders who needed to be taken off the streets,” the rapper is looked as a game changer in the music industry. Thug, 32, is described one of hip-hop’s most innovative and influential artists, pushing both musical and cultural—including making the decision to wear a big purple dress for the cover of his 2016 album, Jeffery.
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