Gucci Mane Claims Protégé Pooh Shiesty Kidnapped Him

In a startling case that has caught the attention of the music world, federal authorities say Atlanta rap figure Gucci Mane was reportedly abducted and held at gunpoint earlier this year in an alleged scheme involving one of his own artists. According to reporting from the BBC, the incident led to the arrest of eight individuals, including rapper Pooh Shiesty, after a multi state federal investigation.

Authorities say the situation unfolded on January 10, 2026, inside a recording studio in Dallas. Court documents claim Pooh Shiesty, whose real name is Lontrell Williams Jr., arranged the meeting under the pretense of working together on music. When Mane arrived, prosecutors claim the situation quickly escalated. Investigators allege Williams Jr. aimed a "black AK-style pistol" at the rapper and demanded he sign paperwork that would free him from his deal with Mane’s 1017 Records.

Reports say Mane and others present were left fearing for their lives, believing "they were going to be executed" as several suspects allegedly displayed different weapons. During the confrontation, Mane was reportedly forced to hand over his wedding band, jewelry, watch, and money. Another person present was allegedly assaulted and had a Rolex watch and a Louis Vuitton bag taken.

U.S. Attorney Ryan Raybould commented on how openly the suspects allegedly behaved after the incident. "Within hours of leaving the Dallas studio, a number of the defendants were on social media displaying some of the items that appeared to be the jewellery that had been robbed," Raybould said during a press briefing.

The BBC also reported that Williams Jr. was reportedly serving house arrest connected to an earlier firearms conspiracy case when the alleged kidnapping happened. Among those taken into custody across Dallas, Memphis, and Nashville was the artist’s father, Lontrell Williams Sr. Authorities say one more suspect has not yet been captured, and law enforcement in Georgia is assisting in the search.

Gucci Mane, known as one of the key figures in the development of trap music and for working with artists such as Drake and Usher, has not yet commented publicly. Prosecutors say that if those charged are found guilty of federal kidnapping and armed robbery offenses, they could receive sentences that include life behind bars.