WTF Is Going On With The YSL Trial? 6 Times The Case Was Unserious AF
Is this an actual trial or an episode from Atlanta?
It’s been nearly two years since rapper Young Thug was arrested for violating Georgia’s Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, or RICO.
Back in May 2022, Young Thung, whose real name is Jeffery Williams, and 27 defendants were named in a lengthy 88-page indictment. Prosecutors allege Williams and his co-defendants were involved in gang-related activity under the Young Slime Life (YSL) gang. The defense contends that YSL is a record label.
Originally, there were 28 defendants, but during the 10-month-long jury selection process, more than half were either severed from the case or took plea deals, leaving just six defendants.
The trial, which officially started in November 2023, has been a prolonged process delayed by various courtroom dramas. Amid the slow-moving trial, you might have seen a few viral moments making headlines, which may have you questioning what exactly is going on with the chaotic trial. If you haven’t been keeping track of the key moments, we’ve put together a list of a few times in the courtroom that were unserious AF.
1/19/23
Alleged drug deal in court
Prosecutors accuse Young Thug and his co-defendant Kahlieff Adams of conducting a “hand-to-hand” drug deal in court.
Video court surveillance showed an alleged drug exchange between co-defendant Kahlieff Adams and Young Thug.
The surveillance shows Adams walking up to Thug and handing him the alleged drugs under the guise of a handshake. According to prosecutors, Adams passed Percocet pills to Young Thung.
Adams, who was already serving a life sentence for murder, was searched by authorities and was found in possession of Percocet, Marijuana, and tobacco wrapped in plastic and food seasonings to hide the odor.
09/1/23
YSL Polo’s exaggerated movements in court
Cordarius Dorsey during a hearing on August 31, 2023 with his attorney, Suri Chadha Jimenez.
In September 2023, Brian Steel, Young Thug’s attorney, filed a motion to have YSL Polo, whose real name is Cordarius Dorsey, dropped from the trial due to his “unprofessional and unacceptable conduct in court.”
The motion referred to Dorsey’s questionable movements during his hearing on August 31, 2023. Videos of Dorsey’s behavior show erratic head and hand movements, which went viral on social media.
11/28/23
Brain Steel Defines “Thug”
Brain Steel, Williams’ attorney, delivers opening statement during the Young Thug RICO Trial.
During Brain Steel’s opening statement, he brought to the court’s attention the meaning of rapper Young Thug’s name. He argued that “thug” stands for the acronym “Truly Humble Under God.”
This was arguably one of the most comical moments from the trial, with many fans making memes of the statement.
1/03/24
YSL Slug Explains the meaning of the word “Slime”
Trontavious Stephens explains the meaning of the word “Slime” during a cross-examination.
Yet another unique definition was revealed during the trial as Trontavious Stephens was called to the stand. Stephens, who goes by the nicknames Tick and Slug, took a plea deal back in December of 2022. Per the deal, he’s had to testify, and his testimonies have been an intriguing part of the case.
Earlier this month, he was asked to define the term “slime” in court, and according to Stephens, it stands for “Slug Love I Me Everything.” This response was an unexpected one, to say the least.
1/10/24
Live Feed Hacked… again
The YSL trial livestream was disrupted by hacker shouting “Free thug! Mistrial!”
Just when you thought the trial couldn’t get any weirder, on day 17 of the YSL RICO Trial, the live stream was interrupted by a hacker shouting, “Free thug! Mistrial!” The disruption occurred right before the trial’s recess.
This isn’t the first time the live feed was hacked, either. Back in December 2022, hackers displayed a sexually explicit video on the Zoom feed. The video was accompanied by the message: “Free Young Thug.”
1/11/24
“Lifestyle” Played In Court
Young Thug listens to his song “Lifestyle” as it is played in court for cross examination.
The court took a musical approach on day 18 of the trial, as the defense played the song “Lifestyle” featuring Young Thug and other artists. The song was played for the court, accompanied by the music video. Video feed from the courtroom showed participants keeping a straight face as the 4-minute music video played.
Brain Steel intended to use video as evidence to support his claims that YSL has no gang affiliation.
What are your thoughts on the YSL trial?
