DJ Akademiks has issued a stunning clarification as Lil Durk awaits a jury verdict, after federal prosecutors highlighted portions of the media personality’s 2023 interview with the Chicago rapper during closing arguments in his murder-for-hire trial.
The interview became a major talking point when prosecutors played a section from Akademiks’ Off The Record conversation with Durk. During their argument, prosecutors reportedly focused not only on Durk’s comments but also on Akademiks’ facial reaction after the rapper discussed how people had stopped using the phrase “slide for Von.”
But Akademiks has now pushed back strongly against the way the moment was portrayed.
During a livestream, the outspoken podcaster claimed his reaction in the interview was performed for entertainment and promotional purposes. Akademiks described the moment as “scripted” and “dramatic effect,” while maintaining that he and Durk were trolling and attempting to create a viral interview moment.
Akademiks also made it clear that he did not want prosecutors interpreting his reaction as proof against Durk. He claimed there was additional context surrounding the interview that viewers—and potentially jurors—should understand before drawing conclusions about the exchange.
Akademiks goes off on the FEDS for putting his life in danger by using his Lil Durk interview as the foundation of their case without ever contacting him to confirm anything 😯
“Throwing my name in here, saying I received a m*rder confession only puts my life in danger”
“I… pic.twitter.com/2NrO6ckrc1
— validate (@validclipx) September 9, 2026
The controversy comes as Durk’s attorneys also challenged prosecutors’ use of the interview. His legal team filed an emergency request seeking to have additional portions played for jurors, arguing that the government’s presentation created a misleading picture of Durk’s statements.
Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald ultimately denied that request, reportedly noting that statements made by attorneys during closing arguments are not evidence.
Jurors began deliberating on September 9 as they consider whether prosecutors proved their allegations against Durk beyond a reasonable doubt.
With Akademiks now publicly insisting that the controversial interview moment was staged for entertainment, the 2023 conversation has become one of the most fiercely debated elements surrounding the final stages of Lil Durk’s blockbuster federal trial.
