Young Thug breaks silence on Gunna plea deal betrayal in emotional podcast interview

Young Thug tearfully addresses Gunna’s Alford Plea and YSL betrayals, revealing deep disappointment & strained loyalty

Rapper Young Thug became emotional while discussing his disappointment with fellow artist Gunna during a recent appearance on the Perspektives With Bank podcast.

The two artists, once close collaborators under Thug’s YSL label, were co-defendants in the 2022 YSL RICO case brought by Fulton County District Attorney Fani Willis. Prosecutors alleged YSL was a criminal gang, a claim Thug denies. In December 2022, Gunna accepted an Alford Plea in which he affirmed to a judge that YSL was a gang that “must end.” While his testimony was not used against others, Thug said the plea complicated his defense strategy.

young thug holds back tears speaking on gunna, says he stopped dropping music after losing his twin:

“i lost a n**** to betrayal… you signing that one piece of paper could give me a life sentence… you gon’ let a piece of paper end all this sh*t?” 🥺 pic.twitter.com/lCDPppAy9y

— CelebRapInsider (@CelebRapInsider) September 7, 2025

Thug also referenced other YSL affiliates who took plea deals, including Yak Gotti, SlimeLife Shawty, and YSL Woody, whom he accused of cooperating with prosecutors. He described the loss of those friendships as painful, emphasizing, “I didn’t lose them to tragedy, I lost them to betrayal.”

Speaking to Atlanta figure Big Bank Black, Thug said he felt Gunna’s decision undermined his case and their relationship. He described his investment in Gunna’s career as extensive, stating, “I gave him more time than my kids.” Although he still feels love for his former protégé, he said he cannot forgive what he sees as a violation of loyalty.

At moments during the interview, Thug shed tears, reflecting on the toll of incarceration, solitary confinement, and his harsh upbringing. He argued that Gunna still owes him an explanation for the plea, even if he would not accept it.

The conversation highlighted not only Thug’s personal sense of betrayal but also the broader strains surrounding his legal battle. Recent leaked jailhouse calls, in which he criticized artists including Kendrick Lamar, Drake, and André 3000, have further fueled public debate about his circumstances and reputation.