“Anthony Ellison is going to trial,” Cannick told reporters after the hearing. He emphasized that his client was determined to make the “Gummo” rapper prove who assaulted and robbed him.
“The only motive he has [for going to trial]: if Tekashi’s the one making the accusation, he wants to say, prove it,” Cannick said of Ellison. “Tekashi has mastered the art of marketing, trolling, and, for lack of a better word, fabricating.”
Cannick pointed out that 6ix9ine’s initial public statements after the July 22 incident did not name Ellison. At the time, the star said only that it was “an inside job.”
“Did he say [Ellison was involved] when he first came to the world? No, he didn’t,” Cannick elaborated. “The only thing that they’re going after Ellison on is the so-called robbery and kidnapping of Tekashi.”
Both defendants, he pointed out, were accused by the government of being members of a criminal organization, the Nine Trey Gangsta Bloods. Cannick scoffed at the possibility of the incident being part of a conspiracy. “A racketeerer kidnapping a racketeerer? Come on,” he said.
Engelmayer mentioned 6ix9ine as a “potential witness” during the trial. Cannick seemed unconcerned on the celebrity’s possible effect on the jury.
“We just want 12 fair-minded individuals who are prepared to listen to the proof and hold the government to its burden,” he said. He then speculated on 6ix9ine’s potential prison sentence.
“Tekashi did a lot of horrible things,” the lawyer said. “He could get time served. I don’t think he deserves it, but you never know.”
