Rapper Yak Gotti, one of two co-defendants left in Young Thug’s historically long racketeering trial, has been stabbed in jail, according to authorities and his lawyer.
The rapper, real name Deamonte Kendrick, was stabbed in Fulton County Jail’s south annex on Sunday, his lawyer Douglas Weinstein said on TikTok Monday, confirming the “reports are true.”
“I don’t know his full medical condition, I don’t know his results at the hospital. It is very very difficult, nye impossible, to get information from this hospital on these things,” Weinstein said, asking people to “please keep Deamonte in your prayers, along with all those housed in our Fulton County jails.”
Still, the lawyer said he spoke to the rapper as he awaited stitches in a hospital, saying: “While he sounded tired, I expect him to make a full recovery.”
The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office, however, maintained the rapper was left with only “minor injuries” — and would be well enough to return to court on Monday.
The incident comes as jurors resume deliberations to reach a verdict in what has become known as the longest criminal trial in Georgia’s history.
Young Thug was indicted in 2022 on racketeering charges for allegedly running the Bloods-connected YSL gang, which he named his record label after.
Kendrick is still on trial with co-defendant Shannon Stillwell, the last two of 28 co-defendants initially accused of various crimes including murder, armed robbery, drug dealing, carjacking and violence.
Four defendants, including Young Thug, pleaded guilty in a surprising plea deal in October. The rapper, whose given name is Jeffery Williams, was sprung free on probation.
Kendrick and Stillwell both rejected plea deals after more than a week of negotiations, with their lawyers declining to present evidence or witnesses in their trial.
Kendrick is facing one count of conspiracy to violate Georgia’s racketeer influenced and corrupt organizations (RICO) act, one count of murder, and one count of participation in a criminal street gang activity, amongst other firearms and substance charges, according to Atlanta News First.
The case has been marked by fits and starts, due to various defendants taking plea deals throughout trial and a prior judge stepping down in July after he was accused of misconduct by the defense.
Kendrick and Stillwell are expected to return to court on Monday, where Weinstein says he will get a better picture of his client’s condition.
“Kendrick received treatment for minor injuries from a sharp object at the Fulton County Jail. The incident occurred at the South Annex in Union City where both men were being housed. Kendrick will be in court [Monday],” the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office told the outlet.
“This is an active investigation to determine the aggressor in this incident and if charges will be pending.”