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Lil Durk Faces Gag Order and Evidence Battles Ahead of August Murder‑For‑Hire Trial
Federal prosecutors have asked U.S. District Judge Michael Fitzgerald to impose a limited gag order on rapper Lil Durk, his attorneys and other parties, barring them from public statements that could influence jurors as the murder‑for‑hire trial approaches. The order would restrict discussion of witness testimony, case strength, character of those involved and excluded evidence. The trial is scheduled to begin on August 20.
Separately, prosecutors have moved to admit the audio and music video for Durk’s 2021 track “Pissed Me Off” as evidence, contending the lyrics, imagery and gang‑related signs demonstrate his readiness to avenge the death of fellow rapper King Von and to encourage violent retaliation. Durk’s defense argues that using the song and video violates First Amendment protections and has successfully resisted earlier requests for voluntary comment restrictions. The government also sought to exclude four expert witnesses the defense wishes to call, including scholars of gang culture and drill rap.
Entities
King Von · Lil Durk · Michael Fitzgerald · Quando Rondo · Saviay’a Robinson · U.S. Department of Justice · U.S. District Judge Michael Fitzgerald · “Pissed Me Off” music video
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Defense attorneys previously refused two voluntary gag‑order requests from prosecutors. allhiphop.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Prosecutors filed a separate motion to exclude four expert witnesses the defense wants to call. www.complex.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Prosecutors argue the song and video show Durk’s intent to avenge King Von and encourage violent retaliation. www.complex.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Prosecutors seek to admit the audio and music video for Lil Durk’s 2021 song “Pissed Me Off” as trial evidence. www.complex.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Federal prosecutors filed a motion seeking a limited gag order on Lil Durk, his attorneys and other parties. allhiphop.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The gag order would prohibit public discussion of witness testimony, case strength, character, and excluded evidence. allhiphop.com
- [DISPUTED] Lil Durk's murder‑for‑hire trial is scheduled to begin on August 20. allhiphop.com · www.complex.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Durk's defense claims using the lyrics and video would violate First Amendment rights.