Pitchfork Ordered to Turn Over Chief Keef Gun Range Video
A juvenile court judge in Chicago has ruled that Internet-based music publication Pitchfork Media must hand over a video interview with rapper Chief Keef that shows the teenage hip hop star handling a rifle at a gun range. The contents of the footage could prove significant to the future of the troublesome artist, who is currently on probation for a previous gun charge.
According to the Chicago Tribune, Judge Carl Anthony ruled that Pitchfork could not withhold the video from prosecutors, who argued that they had no other means to obtain the clip otherwise. Lawyers for Pitchfork were arguing that the company did not have to comply with the prosecutors’ request because it violated their First Amendment protections.
Prosecutors want the footage to build their case leading up to a December 17 probation violation hearing. If a judge finds that Chief broke terms of his probation by participating in the video he could be sent to jail.
As previously reported, the video sparked outrage for many in the hip hop community when it was posted in September. Critics labeled the interview "reckless" and "inappropriate" for having an underage teen with prior gun charge issues at the New York City gun range.
In a statement released after the backlash, Pitchfork president Mark Richardson said the clip, which was part of a hip hop series called "Selector," was "insensitive and irresponsible" and "never should have happened."
"Pitchfork's roots are in Chicago and many of our employees and several contributors live in the city," Richardson wrote. "The horror of the gun violence that has plagued our hometown is something we all take very seriously. Many people have pointed out that this episode could be seen as trivializing gun violence, and we feel they have a good point."
The judge gave Pitchfork until next Wednesday to release the video.
BET.com is your #1 source for Black celebrity news, photos, exclusive videos and all the latest in the world of hip hop and R&B music.
Click here to subscribe to our newsletter.
(Photo: Johnny Nunez/WireImage)
