Georgia prosecutors have filed a motion to revoke rapper Young Thug’s probation, claiming he violated court orders by making social media posts that jeopardized the safety of a key witness and undermined the judicial process.
The motion accuses Young Thug, whose real name is Jeffery Lamar Williams, of posting material on X (formerly Twitter) that included a photo of Marissa Viverito, an Atlanta Police Department investigator involved in his trial. Prosecutors argue that the post not only put Viverito’s safety at risk but also showed disrespect for the legal system. The court had specifically ordered that Viverito’s image should not be publicly displayed during a preliminary hearing related to a gang murder case. According to the prosecutors, Williams’ actions demonstrated a “blatant disregard” for the law, the safety of witnesses, and the integrity of judicial proceedings.
The filing also references a blogger who had previously been accused of violating the same court order by posting Viverito’s picture. Prosecutors suggest that Young Thug’s post was similar in nature, amplifying the potential harm. The motion includes evidence of social media posts that not only showed Viverito’s photo but also included personal information, such as her address and that of her parents.
In his defense, Young Thug denied any intention to harm anyone, writing on X that he does not make threats and is a “good person” who would never condone or participate in any form of intimidation. He emphasized his commitment to “peace and love.”
Young Thug’s lawyer, Brian Steel, described the motion as “baseless” and stated in an interview with Variety that while threats and intimidation are wrong, the rapper had done nothing to warrant the motion. Steel expressed confidence in successfully challenging the petition and having it dismissed.
Young Thug was initially arrested in May 2022 as part of a large gang-related bust in Georgia, where he was one of 28 individuals taken into custody.
