The YSL RICO trial involving rapper Young Thug has formally kicked off with day one in every of opening statements. As The Shade Room beforehand reported, the rapper has awaited trial since his arrest in Georgia in May 2022 on racketeering and conspiracy fees.
According to CNN, Thug was arrested together with 27 different defendants. However, since then, “several defendants,” together with fellow rapper Gunna and Young Thug’s brother, Unfoonk, have taken plea offers. Other defendants have reportedly been severed from the case for numerous causes.
Young Thug stays one in every of six defendants and has maintained his innocence by pleading not responsible to his fees.
Monday’s opening statements observe ten months of rigorous proceedings for jury choice.
RELATED: Young Thug’s Lyrics Can Be Used In YSL RICO Trial If Prosecutors Do This
The District Attorney’s Reported Opening Statements Against Young Thug & YSL
According to CNN, opening statements of the YSL RICO trial “was called to order” on the morning of Monday, November 27. However, the continuing was put into recess after Fulton County Superior Court Judge Ural Glanville revealed one of many twelve jurors couldn’t be positioned.
To notice, Rolling Stone reviews that 9 of the jurors are Black. Additionally, 9 are ladies, whereas three are males.
The outlet reviews that after 40 minutes, the continuing resumed.
Rolling Stone reviews that from there, the Fulton County District Attorney, Adriane Love, commenced with the state’s opening statements. In her phrases, Love alleged that YSL “operated as a pack” and sucked the “innocence” and “lives” of its members. YSL allegedly stands as an acronym for Young Thug’s music label, Young Stoner Life Records.
However, prosecutors consider the acronym stands for Young Slime Life, an “Altana-based street gang” behind homicide, drug, and firearm violations.
“YSL operated as a pack,” Love reportedly advised the courtroom, per Rolling Stone. “…For 10 years and counting, the group calling itself Young Slime Life dominated the Cleveland Avenue community of Fulton County. They created a crater … that sucked in the youth, innocence and even the lives of some of its youngest members.”
Additionally, Love alleged that Young Thug, whose authorities identify is Jeffrey Williams, is the “head” of YSL.
“…The members and associates of YSL moved like a pack, with defendant Jeffery Williams as its head,” Love reportedly defined.
The Proceeding Hits A Hiccup With Talks Of Mistrial
According to the outlet, the continuing then hit a hiccup when Love reportedly referred to Young Thug’s lawyer, Brian Steel, representing YSL codefendant Rodalius Ryan on a homicide attraction.
WSBTV reviews that Steel instantly “objected” to Love’s assertion, which led to the jury being dismissed from the courtroom. Steel reportedly knowledgeable Judge Glanville that the district lawyer “presented information to the jury… that was not disclosed to the defense.”
“There are at least a dozen slides that were never turned over to us,” one other protection lawyer reportedly advised the decide. “I would ask that any slides that have not already been shown to the jury be excluded in her [Love’s] opening statements.”
The “slides” the lawyer reportedly referred to have been PowerPoint slides offered to the jury. According to Michael Seiden, a reporter for WSBTV, the slides contained “numerous errors.”
The PowerPoint slides additionally comprise quite a few errors. Judge is giving State the chance to appropriate the errors earlier than persevering with with opening statements
— Michael Seiden (@SeidenWSBTV) November 27, 2023
The protection attorneys reportedly requested for a mistrial. However, Judge Glanville denied their request, as an alternative sending the courtroom to lunch. Additionally, Judge Glanville ordered prosecutors to appropriate their slides and make sure the data was given to the protection.
“If I get another objection about an error, I’m going to exclude it for the purpose of opening statements because you didn’t follow my instructions,” Judge Glanville reportedly advised prosecutors, per WSBTV.
Young Thug & YSL Receive Support From Mariah The Scientist & Others
As Young Thug appears to be like to battle his fees together with his 5 codefendants, he continues to obtain assist from his girlfriend, singer Mariah The Scientist. The artist attended day one of many opening statements sporting a houndstooth blazer or trenchcoat with a Yves Saint Laurent (YSL) button-up and black tie.
Instagram customers have additionally proven Young Thug assist in The Shade Room’s remark part — particularly applauding the rapper’s bodily look.
“He ain’t missed a meal or had a bad hair day since he been in there💀”
“His hair fresher than some of yall and yall not in the slammer.. 👏🏾”
“Idc i don’t like this for thug free the slime”
RELATED: Young Thug’s Brother Unfoonk Sentenced To 9 Years In Prison After Violating Probation In YSL RICO Plea Deal (Video)