Young Thug’s RICO trial has taken another interesting turn as instances of LeBron James and Serena Williams allegedly emulating gang gestures have been mentioned in court.
During the course of YSL co-founder Trontavious Stephens — a co-defendant turned witness — giving his testimony, prosecutors referenced clips of the two sporting icons allegedly brandishing gang signs.
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The instance involving LeBron was regarding a video of him shaking another player’s hand, wiping his nose and saying “slime.”
As part of Thug’s defence, his attorney Brian Steel was arguing that the handshakes and gestures are simply a part of Hip Hop culture, while the prosecution have alleged that the handshake is a signal between gang members that a rival has been killed.
LeBron James “Slime Handshake” was brought up in Young Thug’s trial 💀 pic.twitter.com/SDpN6jpCs7
— SAY CHEESE! 👄🧀 (@SaycheeseDGTL) January 11, 2024
LeBron James handshake just got him put in the YSL RICO. This Young Thug trial is comedy. 🤣😭 pic.twitter.com/Jv0X5PdGtn
— Shoboat (@Shobeezy) January 11, 2024
To further his argument that the gestures are harmless, Thug’s lawyer brought up Serena Williams.
Stephens was asked by the attorney: “Have you seen her at Wimbledon doing what’s called the Crip Walk? Do you know what a Crip Walk is, first of all?”
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The witness replied, to laughter in the courtroom: “I don’t watch tennis.”
Williams famously did a Crip Walk after winning the gold medal at the 2012 Olympic Games in London.
Thug’s 2014 hit song with Rich Home Quan, “Lifestyle,” was also played to the court. The judge refused to allow it to be submitted as evidence but said it may be included through a different witness.
Today in the Young Thug trial:
“Do you know who Serena Williams is?”
“Yeah.”
“Have you seen her at Wimbledon doing what’s called the Crip Walk. Do you know what Crip Walk is, first of all?”
“Um, I don’t really watch tennis.” pic.twitter.com/hZo9eWfzdl
— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) January 11, 2024
if we’re being technical here…
while it was on the wimbledon grounds…
serena crip walked at the olympics.serena’s sitting somewhere like, “how i get pulled into this?!” pic.twitter.com/5wWepHVcz0
— Joseph Kirkland (@thebrothaj) January 11, 2024
The Young Thug / YSL trial opened today with Rich Gang's "Lifestyle" playing as the camera panned to the six defendants.
(It's part of a video Thug's lawyer wants to play in his cross of Tick today, but the judge doesn't think it should come in through another witness.) pic.twitter.com/PPmlmq9Sxc
— Meghann Cuniff (@meghanncuniff) January 11, 2024
It’s the latest development in a controversial trial that was interrupted earlier this week by a heckler who shouted “Free Thug! Mistrial!”
Young Thug’s brother Unfoonk, who previously accepted a plea deal, also recently sent a message of support to the rapper which read: “I promise God hear us, I wish I can call u and tell I understand now.”
Fans of Thug have repeatedly called Unfoonk a “snitch” ever since he accepted a plea deal last year. Unfoonk has denied snitching on anybody including his brother.
Then, YSL co-founder Trontavius Stevens pointed to the Punk rapper and other defendants as members of the alleged “gang” while testifying.
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Thug himself then baffled many onlookers when he appeared in court wearing a shirt which had “Sex Records” emblazoned on it.
The trial is now in recess until January 22.
