Rapper Lil Durk is facing accusations of threatening witnesses as he prepares for his upcoming murder-for-hire trial.
The Chicago drill artist is fighting to have the case against him dismissed, which alleges his involvement in the murder of Quando Rondo’s cousin in 2022.
Prosecutors have claimed that Durk has been intimidating witnesses while in custody, prompting a response to his attempt to have the case thrown out.
U.S. Attorney Bilal A. Essayli stated, “[Lil Durk] is on trial because he directed, orchestrated, and financed the brazen murder plot at issue in this case.”
Durk and his legal team argued that the case should be dropped because prosecutors used his lyrics as evidence, even though the song in question was recorded prior to the attack on Rondo’s cousin.
A judge ruled that Durk’s lyrics cannot be considered as evidence in the upcoming trial.
Despite this, Durk’s family criticized the government for using his music against him, stating, “We refuse to stay silent as Black artists continue to be criminalized for their creativity.”
The family called on supporters to stand with Durk and demand fairness and truth in his legal proceedings.
Durk remains in custody pending another bond hearing scheduled for next month.
