Philadelphia rapper Meek Mill appeared in court on June 28 for a probation hearing and was told to attend etiquette classes and provide his probation officer with details of all travel plans. According to reports, Common Pleas Judge Genece E. Brinkley ordered the rapper, born Robert Williams, to complete the classes before Aug. 4, and notify his probation officer of any planned travel outside of the state of Pennsylvania.
Williams is on probation for a 2008 drug and gun conviction where he was sentenced to 11 to 23 months in prison. He served eight months and is currently on five-year probation, which began in 2009.
Also, Meek Mill’s probation officer has been receiving threats on Twitter.
Assistant District Attorney Nicole A. DeSantis told the judge that, as a result of Meek Mill’s statements online, the probation officer has been threatened by the rapper’s followers. This revelation prompted arguments between Williams’ lawyer, Gary Silver, and DeSantis. After the two were asked to calm down, the judge said Williams needed etiquette classes to refine his social media use and to help him explain the nature of his business to the court.
Judge Brinkley recommended that Philadelphia radio host Dyana Williams conduct the classes, stating that the classes will be “more important than any concerts [Meek Mill] might have.”
