YSL Case Judge Apologizes for Using the 'N' Word in Court

The judge in the ongoing YSL case has apologized for saying the N word in court.

Judge Paige Reese Whitaker spoke recently in court and accidentally said the word while reading words that appeared on a social media page that she was viewing. After realizing what happened, she issued the apology to the courtroom.

“I was reading out loud and basically saying it as my eyes were going over it for the first time ever,” she explained. “I read out the word “n-i-g-g-a-s which I hope that was not offensive to anyone — it was certainly not meant to be offensive to anyone.”

“I do not use that word,” she clarified. “I should have been looking first before I said it out loud to edit whether there were any offensive words.”

Judge Whitaker’s comments come days after Young Thug pleaded guilty in the YSL Rico case. The rapper entered into a non-negotiated plea deal — receiving a 40-year-sentence from Judge Whitaker. He received five years in prison that was commuted to time served, 15 years on probation, as well as a “‘backloaded” 20-year sentence that he’d only serve if he violated his probation.

Thug was originally facing 120 years in prison but entered the plea deal following the defense and the prosecution coming to an impasse during negotiations.

Thug’s sentence also comes with some major stipulations. He’s effectively banned from Atlanta — but is required to return a few times a year for anti-gang, anti-violence presentations for kids in the community. He’s also prohibited from associating with suspected gang members or communicating with any of the victims of crimes that he was a part of. Additionally, he has to submit to random drug tests and he’s unable to possess a gun.

Speaking to Thug about his stipulations, Judge Whitaker commended Thug for the effect that he has on his fans. “I appreciate that you do realize how much of an impact you have on people,” she said. “It’s past your neighborhood. It’s worldwide. And having come up from where you came up from — and living in and around that — you know that gangs are damaging to our community... Even if you choose to continue to rap, you need to try to use your influence to let kids know that's not the way to go."