In a shocking turn of events, Brian Steel, the attorney representing rapper Young Thug, was taken into custody after a heated exchange with the judge overseeing the ongoing gang trial. The incident occurred on June 10, 2024, during a bizarre episode centered on claims of a secret meeting between the judge, prosecutors, and a key witness.
Judge Ural Glanville repeatedly demanded that Steel reveal who had informed him about a private meeting in his chambers, where it was alleged that prosecutors and the judge had pressured the witness, Kenneth Copeland, to testify by threatening him with extended jail time if he did not comply.
Steel refused to disclose his source, arguing that the meeting itself was the issue, as defense counsel should have been notified about the interaction involving a sworn witness. He claimed that the meeting constituted coercion and witness intimidation, which could be grounds for a mistrial.
After Steel's continued refusal to share his source, Judge Glanville held him in contempt and ordered him taken into custody. As he was escorted out of the courtroom, Steel told the judge that Young Thug did not wish to proceed without his attorney present, stating that the judge was taking away his client's right to counsel.
The move to banish Steel led to confusion in the courtroom, with Thug's other attorney, Keith Adams, saying he could not continue without his co-counsel. Even prosecutors asked that Steel be present for the remainder of the day if the trial was going to proceed with testimony.
Judge Glanville eventually allowed Steel to re-enter the courtroom but maintained his stance, stating that Steel would go into custody at 5 p.m. if he did not reveal his source. "This is criminal contempt. I have asked you a question related to this particular proceeding, and if you don't tell me, you'll suffer the consequences," the judge said.
It remains unclear whether the contempt will impact Steel's ability to continue representing Young Thug as the case moves forward. Steel did not immediately return a request for comment on Monday.
The trial, which began in November 2023, has been marked by numerous delays. With dozens of witnesses still set to testify in the prosecution case, the trial is expected to run into 2025.
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