T.I. believes that Young Thug will ultimately be exonerated and acquitted of the RICO charges against him, predicting his return to freedom.
During an appearance on The Breakfast Club, the Atlanta rapper discussed the prospects of Young Thug beating his case. The charges stem from Thug’s alleged role in a criminal conspiracy, among other accusations.
“He’s coming home,” T.I. declared, referring to his incarcerated friend and collaborator, who has been behind bars since his arrest in May 2022.
According to the King of the South, the state of Georgia has failed to prove beyond a reasonable doubt that Young Thug was an active participant in criminal activities. “I don’t think the prosecution has successfully proven a case of him knowingly and willingly participating in an active street gang,” he told Charlamagne Tha God.
“I just don’t see it.” T.I. further criticized the evidence against Thug, especially the witness testimony.
“I don’t think the witnesses they’ve called so far have proven what they said they would prove,” he added. “I just don’t think the grounds of their case have been presented properly.”
Young Thug and dozens of other alleged gang members were arrested in May 2022 and charged with conspiracy to violate the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act (RICO).
The rapper, real name Jeffery Williams, has maintained his innocence and pleaded not guilty to all charges. Despite repeated requests for his release, he has been denied bond several times and has remained in custody since his arrest.
Thug and TIP’s history dates back over decade. In 2014, Thug appeared on T.I.’s hit single, “About the Money,” which peaked at No. 42 on the Billboard Hot 100, giving Thug one of his first mainstream hits.
While he never signed a record deal with T.I.’s Grand Hustle label, he has remained a close affiliate and even appeared on the label’s G.D.O.D. II compilation later that year.