"Trying to flex power" - Fans react as Judge Whitaker in Young Thug's RICO trial sets new courtroom rules, reviews several motions

The newly appointed judge in Young Thug's RICO trial, Judge Whitaker, established new courtroom rules for all participants to follow. Fulton County Superior Court Judge Paige Reese Whitaker, who received the case after previous judges overseeing it were recused, held a status hearing on Friday, July 19, 2024, where she laid out the new ground rules.

This included starting proceedings on time, no snacking during the trial, barring defendants from using headphones, no gaps between witnesses, and limiting wardrobe for defendants. A clip of Whitaker setting the guidelines soon went viral.

Young Thug and 27 others associated with his YSL label were arrested in May 2022 for violating Atlanta's RICO Act (Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations). Per the act, which aims to combat organized crime, YSL was a front for the criminal gang, Young Slime Life.

As the news gained traction, internet users were quick to react, with many criticizing the judge for the harsh rules.

A comment reacting to the news (Image via X/ @nojumper)

They reasoned that Judge Paige was acting like a substitute teacher and that the rules had nothing to do with the trial but were just a power move. Some commented that there was no need to set a hearing, adding that the guidelines could be explained in an email. Here are some comments seen under @nojumper's X post,

"What does that even have to do with anything," a fan questioned.

"The sub teacher came in and decided to hand out dittos," a fan quipped.

"This whole thing is like a meeting that should've been an email, you don't need to parent the attorneys or the defendants," another added.

However, the criticism was quickly shut down, with netizens explaining she was just asking everyone to be professional and follow court etiquette.

"Meaning, be professional and present your offense and defense, and let's move this case on," one user reasoned.

"LOL! Y’all are reaching, all she said was they’re are accumulating too many clothes at the jail, she didn’t care about them changing clothes," Iyobosa aka Enpho wrote.

"It’s called Court etiquette. Y’all wanted the other Judge removed now here you go. Someone who follows procedures," another argued.

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Judge Paige Whitaker is the third judge to oversee Young Thug and YSL's RICO trial

Judge Paige Whitaker is the third judge to oversee Young Thug and YSL's RICO trial. Last month, the rapper's attorney, Brian Steel, moved for the original judge, Ural Glanville, to be disqualified after he and prosecutors held an ex-parte meeting with a key witness. Steel also called for district attorney Adriane Love and prosecutor Simone Hylton to be removed for their involvement in the incident.

Initially, Judge Glanville denied the motion, but a co-defendant's attorney sought the help of the Georgia Supreme Court to recuse him. Though this motion was denied, it was decided that another judge, Rachel Krause, would decide whether Glanville should remain on Young Thug's trial.

However, Steel (July 11) and other defending attorneys (July 2) filed separate motions to remove Judge Krause because of her holding office in the same circuit as Glanville. Per the motion, both judges had contributed to each other's election campaigns.

Young Thug's RICO trial, which began last November, has dragged on because of several issues, including the stabbing of a defendant, the arrest of a juror, and even bickering among the lawyers. At 18 months (jury selection began in January 2023), this is the longest trial in Georgia's history, states Fox5 Atlanta.

On July 15, Judge Glanville was disqualified from the case, and Judge Shukura L. Ingram replaced him. However, Ingram recused herself just a couple of days later, stating that her deputy previously engaged in an inappropriate relationship with a co-defender and tried to sneak contraband for him. This prompted Judge Whitaker's appointment to Young Thug's trial.

The next official hearing for the trial is in the last week of July, where previously submitted motions will be reviewed. The jury is to return on August 5.