Chart-topping rapper NBA YoungBoy has petitioned the court for adjustments to his house arrest terms, citing a decline in mental health after almost two years of confinement to his Utah residence.
Since October 2021, his moves have been severely limited because he is on 24-7 house arrest, drastically impacting his music career and personal well-being.
The saga leading to NBA YoungBoy’s house arrest began with a Baton Rouge police operation in 2020, culminating in charges of firearms and narcotics possession. A federal indictment followed, leading to further legal entanglements, including an arrest in Los Angeles where a firearm was found in his possession.
Subsequent legal proceedings saw NBA YoungBoy subjected to stringent bail conditions significantly restricting his movement.
Despite facing these challenges, NBA YoungBoy’s defense insists he has been compliant with all pre-trial conditions, notably since his acquittal on the California charges in July 2022.
The request for house arrest modification is a response to over a year of adherence to his conditions, an effort by his defense to ease the limitations that have placed a strain on his mental health and impeded his professional endeavors.
Under the current house arrest terms, NBA YoungBoy is only allowed to leave his home for specific reasons, which have impeded his ability to record new music, shoot videos, and make personal appearances—activities integral to his career as a recording artist.
“Being confined to his home and unable to complete his employment obligations has led to
great anxiety, depression, loss of weight and sleep. [NBA YoungBoy] has been visibly stressed and has
expressed concern and loss of hope that he will be able to return to his contracted employment
obligation,” his lawyer James P. Manasseh explained.
The requested modifications center on broadening the scope of “employment-related activities” for greater flexibility and participation in his professional obligations.
Government lawyers have expressed concerns regarding the potential broadness of activities classified as “employment-related,” suggesting a risk of loosening the restrictions more than intended.
NBA YoungBoy’s legal said they are willing to negotiate precise definitions, assuring continued GPS monitoring and limited geographical movement. However, an agreement remains elusive, with the government declining the proposal.
A judge has yet to rule.
