The pardoned rapper alleges his prosecution cost him touring income, erased music online and left him unable to perform.
Playboy the Beast is seeking at least $1 million from the federal government, alleging prosecutors used his rap lyrics to seek a longer January 6 sentence and the case destroyed his music career.
The South Dakota artist joined 12 other plaintiffs in a lawsuit filed September 29 in Washington, D.C. The complaint seeks at least $1 million per plaintiff over alleged wrongful prosecution, property losses and emotional harm.
His claims focus partly on how his music entered the courtroom.
“Days before sentencing, [Playboy the Beast] released a song. The government put its lyrics before the court. Nearly two pages of lyrics were submitted in support of a longer sentence,” the complaint states.
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“His counsel raised the freedom to make and release that music. The court told them it did not apply, and framed the lyrics as bearing on his culpability,” his lawyers allege.
Playboy the Beast pleaded guilty in April 2022 to entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds. Judge Florence Y. Pan sentenced him that August to six months in prison, one year of supervised release and $500 in restitution.
An independent rapper and personal trainer, Playboy the Beast built an online audience around music that included political themes and support for the far-right Proud Boys.
He moved from North Carolina to Mitchell, South Dakota, in 2021, according to South Dakota Searchlight.
AllHipHop previously covered his “Patriots: Message To The World” video, which featured footage of the Capitol riot. His catalog also includes “Let’s Go Brandon (fjb)” and “Kyle Rittenhouse,” according to South Dakota Searchlight.
That outlet reported prosecutors cited his criminal history, celebration of the riot and alleged endorsement of future violence when seeking prison time.
The January 6, 2021, attack interrupted Congress’ certification of Joe Biden’s election victory. Rioters breached the Capitol and assaulted police as lawmakers evacuated. Federal authorities reported that 140 officers were assaulted.
Surveillance footage showed Playboy the Beast climbing through a broken window near the Senate wing, The Associated Press reported. His lawsuit says he stayed less than three minutes, damaged nothing and believed entry was allowed.
He alleges travel restrictions stopped him from touring and repeated social media bans erased music with millions of views.
“Label and artist relationships ended. [Playboy the Beast]’s livelihood was destroyed, as he was an independent artist whose business ran on those platforms,” the complaint states.
Playboy the Beast also alleges delayed prison medical care left him with severe breathing problems and lasting health issues that prevent him from performing.
The complaint contains those allegations, rather than a ruling establishing government misconduct.
Playboy the Beast received a pardon under President Donald Trump’s January 20, 2025, proclamation. His lawyers argue the relief fell short: “It did not restore his health, his career, his catalogue, his archives or the years his son lost.”
