The lengthy criminal trial involving rap star Young Thug has been far from predictable, and now the judge overseeing the case has been asked to step down. Recent weeks have seen further twists and delays, sparked by a confidential meeting between the judge, prosecutors, and a reluctant witness that disrupted the proceedings. The defense teams for Young Thug and his five co-defendants have accused Judge Ural Glanville, who managed 10 months of jury selection and eight months of arguments, of permitting an "improper and coercive" meeting without informing the defense. They argued they should have been notified, if not present, during the meeting. The trial was paused while another judge reviewed the matter, ultimately deciding that "preserving public confidence in the judicial system" necessitated Judge Glanville's removal from the case.

In her ruling, Judge Rachel Krause emphasized that nothing discussed in the meeting was "inherently improper," though she noted it could have been conducted in open court. The issue was not with the content but with Glanville's decision to proceed with the meeting rather than immediately referring it to another judge. Young Thug's lead attorney, Brian Steel, expressed gratitude for the decision to remove Judge Glanville, looking forward to a trial under a judge who will adhere to the law fairly and faithfully. Young Thug, born Jeffrey Williams, was initially charged in May 2022 among 28 alleged gang members. The charges include violations of Georgia's RICO act, with the trial held in Fulton County courthouse.

Prosecutors claim that Young Thug, 32, led YSL, or Young Slime Life, a Bloods gang affiliate, and face multiple charges including murder, assault, carjacking, drug dealing, and theft. The case has been slow-moving due to various issues, including scheduling conflicts and a jail incident. Jury selection commenced in January 2023, with opening statements starting on November 27. Defense attorneys argue that YSL is merely a record label and a collective of artists known as Young Stoner Life, founded by Young Thug in 2016 under 300 Entertainment, a Warner Music Group subsidiary. Young Thug, a pivotal figure in the Atlanta rap scene, maintains his innocence. The case has garnered significant attention, particularly due to prosecutors' plans to use rap lyrics as evidence of criminal conduct, a tactic that has drawn criticism for potentially infringing on artistic expression and racial bias.