In an unexpected judicial twist, a Georgia judge has ruled that the defense attorney for rap artist Young Thug must spend his weekends behind bars. The lawyer, Brian Steel, faces this sanction following his refusal to divulge the source of his knowledge about a private meeting involving the judge and prosecutors. As WABE reports, Fulton County Superior Court Chief Judge Ural Glanville handed down the order as the high-profile trial drags on.

The Grammy-winning musician, whose real name is Jeffery Williams, is embroiled in a legal battle over accusations that link him to Georgia's anti-racketeering, gang, drug, and gun charges. Jury selection alone spanned almost 10 months, and since last November, when the opening statements were made, the jury has been listening to the prosecution's narrative. Steel came under scrutiny for his knowledge of a clandestine chambers meeting, which prompted Glanville's concern and, eventually, contempt ruling – all within the context of a trial stained by both controversy, and delays.

The core of the controversy is a discussion between Glanville, a court reporter, the prosecution team, and a witness granted immunity. Steel's persistence in keeping his source confidential despite the judge's direct inquiries led to the contempt finding. In response, according to the WABE's coverage, Steel has signaled his intent to appeal the judge’s decision and requested reconsideration or, at the very least, bond during the appeal process.

Steel's motion insists that the contested information was not explicitly confidential, asserting his punishment as "illegal and inherently inconsistent." Kenneth Copeland, the witness at the heart of the fray, underwent incarceration over the weekend for withholding testimony despite an existing immunity agreement. He resumed his testimony under the condition of continued cooperation. In court, Steel was pointed in his accusations, saying, "If that’s true what this is is coercion, witness intimidation, ex parte communications that we have a constitutional right to be present for," according to WABE.

Amidst this legal maelstrom, Young Thug's artistic influence stands unmistakable. As the head of his own label, Young Stoner Life, he has been a figure of notable success in the music industry. However, prosecutors enforce a narrative that pegs YSL not merely as a music label but as an acronym for Young Slime Life.