Young Thug YSL RICO Trial: Judge Recused From Case

Judge Ural Glanville has been recused from the YSL RICO case centered on Young Thug.

Per Fulton County docs viewed by Complex on Monday, it is the court’s opinion that this recusal is in service of "preserving the public’s confidence in the judicial system." Worth noting, however, is that the court simultaneously stated that it has "no doubt" that Glanville "can and would continue presiding fairly" over the case should he had not been recused.

As previously reported, a meeting with state witness Kenneth Copeland spurred concerns about Glanville, ultimately leading to the trial being paused. Below, see how the aftermath of that meeting is characterized in the latest docs:

After the meeting and immediately before Mr. Copeland was brought out to testify, Defendant Williams’ lawyer, Brian Steel, advised the Court that he was aware of the in-chambers meeting that morning. Mr. Steel objected to the ex parte meeting, and a lengthy colloquy occurred between Mr. Steel and Judge Glanville, in which Judge Glanville inquired how Mr. Steel became aware of the chambers meeting. Mr. Steel declined to reveal the source of his information, and Judge Glanville held him in contempt, though Mr. Steel was allowed to remain in the courtroom on behalf of his client, Defendant Williams. Ultimately, Kenneth Copeland did testify on June 10, 2024, and was later released from custody.

But this is far from the only concern that’s been raised amid the lengthy trial, which has been the source of constant criticism since it began last November. Glanville himself has also faced other critiques in connection with the proceedings, at one point being called out by Drake over the public surfacing of a jail call between Thug and Mariah the Scientist.

Per Yak Gotti's lawyer Douglas Weinstein, the trial must "rewind" to June 12, Nancy Dillon reports.

Complex has reached out to Thug's lawyer, Brian Steel, for comment on the latest developments. This story may be updated.