Drake's Legal Team File Motion To Quash Deposition Order In XXXTENTACION Murder Trial

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LAS VEGAS, NV - SEPTEMBER 23: Recording artist Drake performs onstage at the 2016 iHeartRadio Music Festival at T-Mobile Arena on September 23, 2016 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images)
Drake's attorney appeared in court to ask the judge to quash the deposition order in XXXTENTACION's murder trial.

There has been no shortage of conspiracy theories alleging Drake’s involvement in XXXTENTACION’s murder death. Though it began as online rumors with fans reaching to put pieces together, it, unfortunately, reached the courtroom. Dedrick Williams’ attorney, Mauricio Padilla, questioned the state’s witness about the Toronto artist's involvement while tying in Drizzy’s “God Plan” music video. However, the witness took the stand and denied knowing the Her Loss rapper or his affiliates. Still, after months of pushing, the judge granted Padilla’s motion to subpoena Drake for a deposition in the case.  

Last week, Judge Michael Usan stated that Drake previously failed to appear for a deposition in January. “As a result of Aubrey Drake Graham’s failure to appear for the deposition set on Jan. 27, 2023, Aubrey Drake Graham shall appear for deposition at 5:00pm EST on Friday, Feb. 24th, 2023,” the motion read. The judge said Drake would have to appear in court on Feb. 27th if he failed to appear at the deposition and explain why he shouldn’t be held in contempt of court. 

Following the judge’s decision, the “Jimmy Cooks” rapper’s legal team filed a motion to quash the order requiring him to appear for a deposition. Drake’s lawyer stated in the motion that the paperwork wasn’t served properly. Additionally, he pointed out that there’s no evidence “to substantiate the assertion that (Drake) in any way contributed to, had knowledge of, or participated in the alleged incident.” He added demanding the Canadian rapper “appear for something that he very clearly has no relevant knowledge of is unreasonable.”

This morning, Drake’s attorney, Brad Cohen, appeared on the rapper’s behalf to further dismiss the deposition order, per WPLG reporter Ian Margol. Cohen reiterated his argument from the motion he filed over the weekend, and it appears that the judge didn’t necessarily oppose. Still, it appears that Drake will have to sit down for a deposition. “Judge didn’t disagree but said Drake and his attorney would have to work with the defense to figure out a deposition time to allow for full due process,” Margol tweeted. We’ll keep you posted on any more updates.

About The Author
Aron A. is a features editor for HotNewHipHop. Beginning his tenure at HotNewHipHop in July 2017, he has comprehensively documented the biggest stories in the culture over the past few years. Throughout his time, Aron’s helped introduce a number of buzzing up-and-coming artists to our audience, identifying regional trends and highlighting hip-hop from across the globe. As a Canadian-based music journalist, he has also made a concerted effort to put spotlights on artists hailing from North of the border as part of Rise & Grind, the weekly interview series that he created and launched in 2021. Aron also broke a number of stories through his extensive interviews with beloved figures in the culture. These include industry vets (Quality Control co-founder Kevin "Coach K" Lee, Wayno Clark), definitive producers (DJ Paul, Hit-Boy, Zaytoven), cultural disruptors (Soulja Boy), lyrical heavyweights (Pusha T, Styles P, Danny Brown), cultural pioneers (Dapper Dan, Big Daddy Kane), and the next generation of stars (Lil Durk, Latto, Fivio Foreign, Denzel Curry). Aron also penned cover stories with the likes of Rick Ross, Central Cee, Moneybagg Yo, Vince Staples, and Bobby Shmurda.
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