Drake Criticizes the Release of Young Thug & Mariah the Scientist’s Jail Call, Calling It ‘Some Form of … Misconduct’

The release of a jail phone call between Young Thug and his girlfriend, Mariah the Scientist, stirred controversy after it surfaced on social media this week, prompting Drake to demand accountability for the unauthorized footage.

Expressing his discontent on Instagram Story on January 24, the OVO boss called the situation “disgraceful” and advocated for Young Thug’s freedom amidst the escalating YSL RICO trial.

Drake criticized what he perceived as potential jail misconduct, questioning the lack of control over employees using personal business for personal gain. He insisted that someone had benefited from the existence of the video and urged authorities to swiftly address the matter, allowing Young Thug to return home and contribute positively to Atlanta.

Turning his attention to Fulton County Judge Ural Glanville, who oversees the YSL RICO case, Drake questioned whether the situation was more of a criminal case or an attempt at Atlanta social media promotion.

Despite the call going public, a spokesperson for the Fulton County Sheriff’s Office clarified that the recording wasn’t leaked. They emphasized that Young Thug, also known as Jeffrey Williams, was housed at Cobb County Jail, where the call occurred. The Cobb County Sheriff’s Office noted that they routinely fulfill open records requests for phone calls and video visitations, complying with Georgia law.

Billboard reached out to the Fulton County DA’s Office and Young Thug’s representative for comments, seeking further clarification on the incident.

The released phone call seemed to take place around Christmas or early January, with Mariah expressing gratitude for the gifts Young Thug sent her from behind bars. Drake wasn’t the only artist reacting to the call; Meek Mill also weighed in, suggesting potential legal consequences for the unauthorized release.

This incident is not the first time Drake has expressed support for Young Thug. In 2022, he called for Young Thug’s release in the song “Sticky” and included a “Free YSL” message in the music video for “Falling Back.”

Young Thug has been in custody since his arrest in May 2022 as part of the extensive YSL indictment. The trial, drawing significant attention, commenced in November, with Young Thug’s fate yet to be determined.