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Timeline Of Key Events In Canada’s Missing Children Investigation

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Timeline Of Key Events In Canada’s Missing Children Investigation

HALIFAX (BN24) — The investigation into the disappearance of two young children from their home in rural Lansdowne Station, Nova Scotia, Canada, continues to unfold more than three months after they were reported missing. Lilly Sullivan, 6, and Jack Sullivan, 4, were last seen on May 1, when their mother, Malehya Brooks-Murray, reported them missing the following day. The children lived at a property with their mother, stepfather Daniel Martell, and infant sister, about 140 kilometers northeast of Halifax.

The investigation has seen numerous developments, including searches of the surrounding woods, polygraph tests, and forensic analysis, with authorities releasing key details from court applications and documents filed by investigators. These records include unverified statements by police to support their ongoing investigation.

The timeline of the events leading up to the disappearance and the ensuing search is being pieced together through police records, official updates, and court documents. On April 28 and 29, the children attended school, but by April 30, they stayed home due to a pedagogical day. On May 1, the day their disappearance began to unfold, Lilly and Jack’s school was notified early in the morning that they would remain home due to a cough. By 2:25 p.m., investigators confirmed that the children were last seen independently outside the home, captured on surveillance video at a Dollarama store. This marked the final public sighting of the siblings.

Later that evening, around 9 p.m., the children were reportedly put to bed in the clothes they had worn earlier in the day. Lilly was wearing a pink sweater and pyjamas with white shapes, and Jack was dressed in black sweatpants and a T-shirt. At 6:15 a.m. on May 2, Brooks-Murray reported the children as sick to the school, but by mid-morning, she noticed that the house was eerily silent after the children had briefly woken up their infant sister.

By 10:01 a.m. on May 2, Brooks-Murray contacted police and reported Lilly and Jack missing, telling authorities that they might have wandered away from the house. She noted that the children, who were possibly autistic, were known to roam. Authorities immediately launched a search, and by 10:27 a.m., Pictou County RCMP officers arrived at the family home.

As the search for the missing children continued, a significant lead emerged at 4:00 p.m. that same day. Three family members discovered a pink blanket in the woods near Lansdowne Station Road, about one kilometre from the family home. The blanket was identified as Lilly’s, and police seized it for analysis. However, despite efforts, a subsequent dog search did not find any trace of the children.

By May 3, investigators had questioned the children’s biological father, Cody Sullivan, who confirmed that he had not seen Lilly and Jack in nearly three years. At this point, authorities considered all possible leads, including checking whether the children had been with their father in New Brunswick, but found no evidence to support this.

On May 4, another piece of Lilly’s blanket was found in a trash bag near the family house, further deepening the mystery of their disappearance. RCMP continued their investigation, which included an extensive ground search by Ground Search and Rescue (GSAR) teams on May 2 and May 7, but by May 7, the search was scaled back as authorities expressed doubt that the children could have survived alone in the woods for such an extended period.

In the following days, police conducted underwater searches of nearby bodies of water, including three ponds on May 8 and Lansdowne Lake on May 9. But no evidence was found. Investigators also turned to polygraph tests as part of their efforts to rule out potential suspects. On May 12, both Brooks-Murray and Martell underwent polygraph exams at Bible Hill RCMP detachment. Both were deemed truthful, with Brooks-Murray voluntarily agreeing to the test to clear herself as a suspect.

As the investigation stretched into June and July, authorities continued to follow leads. On June 19, the Nova Scotia government announced a reward of up to $150,000 for information leading to the whereabouts of the missing children. Meanwhile, polygraph tests were administered to several other individuals, including the children’s step-grandmother, Janie MacKenzie, and their maternal grandmother, Cindy Murray, both of whom were found truthful.

By July 16, RCMP confirmed that forensic testing on the pink blanket and other evidence was ongoing, with investigators still processing over 5,000 video files submitted by the public. The case remains open as authorities sift through every possible lead.

On August 22, RCMP confirmed that they are still considering all possible scenarios regarding the children’s disappearance. They continue to review tips and forensic analysis, with over 760 tips and 8,000 video files reviewed so far.

The case of the missing children continues to raise questions, and with each passing month, investigators press forward in their search for answers, determined to solve the mystery of Lilly and Jack’s disappearance.

Jay-Z Now World’s Richest Musician With $2.5 Billion Net Worth

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Jay-Z Now World’s Richest Musician With $2.5 Billion Net Worth

NEW YORK (BN24) — Jay-Z has officially become the world’s richest musician, according to Forbes, with a net worth of $2.5 billion. The American rapper and entrepreneur, whose real name is Shawn “Jay-Z” Carter, continues to dominate the music and business worlds through a combination of savvy investments and diverse ventures.

Jay-Z’s fortune extends far beyond his music career, rooted in strategic ownership stakes and investments across multiple high-value industries. Among his key assets are Roc Nation, the entertainment company he founded, which spans music, sports, and media. He also has major holdings in Armand de Brignac (Ace of Spades), a luxury champagne brand, and D’Ussé, a premium cognac label.

Additionally, Jay-Z has reaped significant profits from the sale of his Tidal streaming service, as well as his earlier success with the Rocawear fashion line, which helped establish him as a business mogul. The rap icon’s diversified portfolio also includes real estate, technology startups, and hospitality investments, further cementing his status as one of the wealthiest and most influential figures in entertainment.

While Jay-Z has climbed to the top of the wealth ranks in the music industry, Taylor Swift remains the richest female musician, with a net worth of $1.6 billion. According to Forbes, Swift’s wealth is primarily derived from her music and tours, marking a striking contrast to Jay-Z’s broader business approach.

As artists increasingly diversify into sectors beyond music, Jay-Z’s rise highlights the growing potential for musicians to generate substantial wealth through strategic investments and brand-building beyond the recording studio.

Chelsea Thrash West Ham 5-1 To Pile Pressure On Potter

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LONDON (BN24) — Chelsea bounced back from a goal down to demolish West Ham United 5-1 on Friday, further intensifying the pressure on Hammers manager Graham Potter following a series of heavy defeats in the Premier League.

West Ham got off to a dream start, with Lucas Paqueta firing a stunning shot past Chelsea goalkeeper Robert Sanchez in the sixth minute. But Chelsea responded quickly, leveling the score in the 15th minute through a header from Joao Pedro. The floodgates then opened as the visitors surged ahead.

Chelsea took the lead in the 23rd minute when Pedro Neto volleyed home a well-timed ball into the box. Enzo Fernandez made it 3-1 just before halftime, capitalizing on a pass from Brazilian teenager Estevao Willian.

In the second half, Moises Caicedo added a fourth for Chelsea in the 54th minute, following a mishandled corner from West Ham goalkeeper Mads Hermansen. Four minutes later, Trevoh Chalobah completed the rout with a fifth, sealing an emphatic win for the Blues.

Pedro’s header, flicked on by Marc Cucurella off a corner, marked his first Premier League goal for Chelsea since his recent move from Brighton & Hove Albion.

The dominant victory came despite a pre-match setback for Chelsea, with midfielder Cole Palmer being ruled out due to discomfort during the warmup. Estevao replaced him, and Chelsea’s attacking fluidity continued uninterrupted.

Chelsea were also without striker Nicolas Jackson, who was omitted from the squad as the club deals with transfer uncertainty. The win came as a much-needed relief for Chelsea, who had opened the season with a 0-0 draw against Crystal Palace at Stamford Bridge.

Meanwhile, the defeat only deepened the growing sense of unease at West Ham, who are already under threat of relegation after a 3-0 loss to Sunderland in their season opener. The mounting pressure on Potter, who had a long-standing relationship with Chelsea manager Enzo Maresca from their playing days at West Bromwich Albion, was evident even before the match. As the rout continued, many West Ham supporters left the stadium early, greeted by boos at halftime and more exodus during the second half.

Credit: Sky Sport

Maxwell Says She Doesn’t Believe Epstein Died by Suicide in Newly Released DOJ Transcript

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Maxwell Says She Doesn’t Believe Epstein Died by Suicide in Newly Released DOJ Transcript

Washington (BN24) – Ghislaine Maxwell, serving a 20-year prison sentence for sex trafficking crimes linked to Jeffrey Epstein, said she does not believe Epstein died by suicide, according to newly released transcripts from a Justice Department interview.

In the transcript of her 2020 interview with then–Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche, Maxwell rejected the medical examiner’s ruling that Epstein hanged himself inside a Manhattan jail cell in August 2019 while awaiting trial on federal sex trafficking charges.

“I do not believe he died by suicide,” Maxwell said during the exchange, insisting she remains skeptical of the official account of his death.

Maxwell, who was convicted in 2021 of grooming and trafficking teenage girls for Epstein, also addressed her relationship with President Donald Trump. She said she first met him around 1990 through her father, British media tycoon Robert Maxwell, who “was friendly” with Trump and “liked him very much.”

“President Trump was always very cordial and very kind to me,” she said. “I admire his extraordinary achievement in becoming president, and I’ve always liked him. That is the sum and substance of my entire relationship with him.”

She added that while Epstein and Trump were “friendly,” she did not believe they were “close friends.”

The transcript also included questions about a Wall Street Journal report alleging that Trump submitted a message to a birthday album prepared for Epstein’s 50th birthday in 2003. Maxwell said she remembered seeing the book but denied any recollection of a note or letter from Trump. “There was nothing from President Trump,” she stated.

Maxwell further claimed she never knew Epstein to act as an FBI source or to communicate with intelligence agencies. “If he was for real, he would’ve bragged about it,” she said, dismissing speculation about Epstein’s alleged intelligence ties as “bull—-.”

Despite her claims in the transcript, prosecutors and Judge Alison Nathan have previously condemned Maxwell for refusing to accept responsibility for her crimes. At her sentencing, the judge noted that while Maxwell acknowledged the victims’ pain, she stopped short of admitting guilt. Maxwell is appealing her conviction.

DOJ Publishes Ghislaine Maxwell Interview Transcript, Revealing Doubts Over Epstein’s Death

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DOJ Publishes Ghislaine Maxwell Interview Transcript, Revealing Doubts Over Epstein’s Death

Washington (BN24) – The U.S. Justice Department on Friday released the full transcript and audio of a confidential interview with Ghislaine Maxwell, revealing her disbelief in the official finding that Jeffrey Epstein died by suicide and her insistence that she never saw President Donald Trump behave inappropriately.

Deputy Attorney General Todd Blanche announced the release, stating that it was made “in the interest of transparency.” The document sheds light on Maxwell’s conversations with federal officials before her 2021 conviction on sex trafficking charges tied to her longtime association with Epstein.

In the interview, Maxwell bluntly rejected the New York medical examiner’s ruling that Epstein killed himself in a Manhattan jail cell in August 2019. “I do not believe he died by suicide,” she told Blanche, according to the transcript.

Maxwell also sought to distance Trump from any accusations of misconduct. “I never witnessed the president in any inappropriate setting in any way,” she said. “The president was never inappropriate with anybody.”

Her defense attorney, David Markus, argued in a lengthy statement that Maxwell had been wrongfully prosecuted, claiming she was scapegoated following Epstein’s death. “She never committed or participated in sexual abuse against minors, or anyone else for that matter,” Markus said. “The government admitted it did not even consider her a conspirator during the Florida investigation into Epstein. The only reason she was charged is because Epstein died in prison.”

Markus further thanked both Blanche and the Trump administration for making the transcript public. “We are grateful to the Department of Justice and to Todd Blanche for allowing the public to judge for themselves,” he said. “And we are thankful to the President for his continued commitment to the truth in this matter and for refusing to cave to the mob.”

During the interview, Maxwell denied that Epstein engaged in blackmail schemes involving photos or videos. Asked directly by Blanche if she had ever heard Epstein accused of extortion or coercion, Maxwell replied: “No.”

However, prosecutors and the judge who oversaw her 2021 trial sharply criticized Maxwell’s credibility. Prosecutors said she had “brazenly lied under oath” to avoid accountability, while Judge Alison Nathan, who sentenced her to 20 years in prison, noted that although Maxwell acknowledged the pain of victims, she stopped short of accepting responsibility for her own crimes.

Maxwell was convicted of recruiting, grooming, and trafficking teenage girls for Epstein, crimes that spanned years. She was also accused of perjury for false statements in a 2016 deposition, though those charges were later dropped after her trafficking conviction. Maxwell continues to appeal her conviction from prison.

The release of her interview is the latest chapter in a case that continues to stir controversy and conspiracy theories, particularly surrounding Epstein’s death and the powerful figures linked to his social circle.

Israel Says Gaza City Will Be Destroyed If Hamas Rejects Ceasefire Terms

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Israel Says Gaza City Will Be Destroyed If Hamas Rejects Ceasefire Terms

JERUSALEM (BN24) — Israel’s Defense Minister Israel Katz warned that Gaza City could be destroyed if Hamas does not accept Israel’s conditions for ending the war in a post on X on Friday.

The warning came a day after Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he will give final approval for the occupation of Gaza City while also starting negotiations with Hamas, aimed at returning the hostages and ending the nearly two-year war, but only “on terms acceptable to Israel.”

Earlier this week, Hamas had agreed to a ceasefire proposal drawn up by mediators from Egypt and Qatar. Egypt and Hamas officials said the proposal is almost identical to the one Israel accepted before talks stalled last month.

The proposal would include the release of some hostages in exchange for Palestinians imprisoned by Israel, a withdrawal of Israeli forces and negotiations over a more permanent ceasefire.

However, speaking at a meeting at the Gaza military division in southern Israel, Netanyahu told military officials on Thursday that Israel would only end the war on its own terms.

In the meantime, Israel has not indicated it intends to slow down the expansion of its offensive. The Israeli military started calling medical officials and international organizations in the north of the strip, ordering them to evacuate to the south.

The military also mobilized 60,000 additional reservists and extended the service of 20,000 currently serving.

Israeli troops are already operating in the Zeitoun and Jabaliya neighborhoods of Gaza City to prepare the groundwork for the expanded operation. The military has previously said they will be stationed where the Israel Defense Forces has not yet operated and where it believes Hamas is still active.

On Wednesday, Israel also gave approval to a settlement project in the occupied West Bank that would effectively cut the territory in two, a significant blow to the prospects of Palestinian statehood.

Settlement development in E1, an open tract of land east of Jerusalem, has been under consideration for more than two decades, but was frozen due to U.S. pressure during previous administrations.

The Israeli occupation of Palestinian territories is considered illegal under international law.

Last year, the International Court of Justice declared in a landmark ruling that Israel should end settlement activity in the West Bank and East Jerusalem and end its occupation of those areas as soon as possible.

On Thursday, protesters gathered in Tel Aviv demanding the return of the hostages, holding signs that read “The people will bring back the hostages” and “How much blood will be spilled?”

Demonstrators expressed concern over Netanyahu’s plan to expand the offensive, as they believe it would further endanger the lives of the remaining hostages. Of the 50 still being held in Gaza, Israel believes about 20 are still alive.

Hundreds also gathered in Gaza for a rare protest against the war and Israel’s plan for mass relocation of Palestinians to other countries.

“We want the war on Gaza to stop. We don’t want to migrate. Twenty-two months…it’s enough. Enough death. Enough destruction,” said Bisan Ghazal, a woman displaced from Gaza City.

Plans for the expanded military offensive sparked widespread international outrage, with many of Israel’s closest allies, with the exception of the United States, calling for an end to the war.

Human rights groups have repeatedly warned of a worsening humanitarian crisis in the Strip, where most residents have been displaced, vast neighborhoods lie in ruins and where famine is at a tipping point.

On Thursday, at least 36 Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire across the Gaza Strip, including 14 who were seeking humanitarian aid, local hospitals reported.

Israeli airstrikes also destroyed a tent camp in Deir al-Balah, where residents had been told by the Israeli military to flee. No casualties were reported, but the strike destroyed around 100 tents sheltering families already uprooted by fighting elsewhere.

The Israel-Hamas war began when Hamas-led militants attacked southern Israel on Oct. 7, 2023, killing some 1,200 people, mostly civilians, and taking 251 people hostage.

Israel’s offensive has killed at least 62,192 Palestinians, the Gaza Health Ministry said, whose figures do not distinguish between combatants and civilians.

Colombia Car Bomb and Helicopter Attack Kill 13 in Escalating Violence

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Colombia Car Bomb and Helicopter Attack Kill 13 in Escalating Violence

Colombia (BN24) – At least 13 people, including police officers, were killed in Colombia on Thursday after a coordinated car bomb explosion and a helicopter attack that authorities say were carried out by armed groups linked to dissident factions of the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC).

President Gustavo Petro confirmed that eight police officers were killed when their helicopter was struck while flying over coca-growing fields in the northern department of Antioquia. The aircraft had been transporting personnel for a coca eradication mission when it was hit by a drone strike, causing a fire and forcing it down, according to Defense Minister Pedro Sánchez. Eight others were injured in the attack.

In a separate incident in the city of Cali, a car bomb detonated near a military aviation school, killing five people and injuring more than 30 others. The Colombian Aerospace Force said the blast involved a vehicle packed with explosives, though further details were not immediately released.

Petro initially suggested the helicopter strike was the work of the Gulf Clan, Colombia’s most powerful drug cartel, claiming the attack was retaliation for a cocaine seizure that crippled the group’s operations. Later statements linked responsibility to FARC dissidents, who refused to disarm after the 2016 peace deal with the government. Both factions are known to be active in Antioquia, where coca cultivation is expanding.

Coca farming continues to drive Colombia’s drug conflict, with the United Nations reporting a record 253,000 hectares under cultivation in 2023. The surge has fueled violence between rival armed groups and security forces as the Petro administration struggles to contain the resurgence of narco-terrorism in rural regions.

Trump Administration Is Reviewing All 55 Million Foreigners With US Visas for Any Violations

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Trump Administration Is Reviewing All 55 Million Foreigners With US Visas for Any Violations

WASHINGTON (BN24) — The Trump administration said Thursday it is reviewing more than 55 million people who have valid U.S. visas for any violations that could lead to deportation, part of a growing crackdown on foreigners who are permitted to be in the United States.

In a written answer to a question from The Associated Press, the State Department said all U.S. visa holders, which can include tourists from many countries, are subject to “continuous vetting,” with an eye toward any indication they could be ineligible for permission to enter or stay in the United States.

Should such information be found, the visa will be revoked, and if the visa holder is in the United States, he or she would be subject to deportation.

Since President Donald Trump took office, his administration has focused on deporting migrants illegally in the United States as well as holders of student and visitor exchange visas. The State Department’s new language suggests that the continual vetting process, which officials acknowledge is time-consuming, is far more widespread and could mean even those approved to be in the U.S. could abruptly see those permissions revoked.

The department said it was looking for indicators of ineligibility, including people staying past the authorized timeframe outlined in a visa, criminal activity, threats to public safety, engaging in any form of terrorist activity or providing support to a terrorist organization.

“We review all available information as part of our vetting, including law enforcement or immigration records or any other information that comes to light after visa issuance indicating a potential ineligibility,” the department said.

The U.S. also will stop issuing worker visas for commercial truck drivers, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Thursday on X. He said the change was effective immediately.

“The increasing number of foreign drivers operating large tractor-trailer trucks on U.S. roads is endangering American lives and undercutting the livelihoods of American truckers,” Rubio posted. The department did not immediately respond to a question about the number of foreign truck drivers working in the U.S.

The Trump administration in past months has taken steps to enforce the requirement that truckers speak and read English proficiently. The Transportation Department said the aim is to improve road safety following incidents in which drivers’ ability to read signs or speak English may have contributed to traffic deaths.

The administration has steadily imposed more restrictions and requirements on visa applicants, including requiring them to submit to in-person interviews. The review of all visa holders appears to be a significant expansion of what had initially been a process focused mainly on students who have been involved in what the government perceives as pro-Palestinian or anti-Israel activity.

Officials say the reviews will include all visa holders’ social media accounts, law enforcement and immigration records in their home countries, along with any actionable violations of U.S. law committed while they were in the United States.

The reviews will include new tools for data collection on past, present and future visa applicants, including a complete examination of social media sites made possible by new requirements introduced earlier this year. Those make it mandatory for privacy switches on cellphones and other electronic devices or apps to be turned off when an applicant appears for a visa interview.

“As part of the Trump Administration’s commitment to protect U.S. national security and public safety, since Inauguration Day the State Department has revoked more than twice as many visas, including nearly four times as many student visas, as during the same time period last year,” the State Department said.

The vast majority of foreigners seeking to come to the U.S. require visas, especially those who want to study or work for extended periods. Among the exceptions for short-term tourist or business visits are citizens of the 40 mainly European and Asian countries belonging to the Visa Waiver Program, which grants those nationals a stay of up to three months without having to apply for a visa.

But large portions of the world, including highly populated countries like China, India, Indonesia, Russia and most of Africa, are not part of the program, meaning their citizens must apply for and receive visas to travel to the United States.

Earlier this week, the department said that since Trump returned to the White House, it has revoked more than 6,000 student visas for overstays and violations of local, state and federal law, the vast majority of which were assault, driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs and support for terrorism.

It said about 4,000 of those 6,000 were due to actual infractions of laws and that approximately 200 to 300 visas were revoked for terrorism-related issues, including providing support for designated terrorist organizations or state sponsors of terrorism.

ICON Aircraft Founder Kirk Hawkins Dies in Swiss Alps Wingsuit Crash After Colliding With Trees

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ICON Aircraft Founder Kirk Hawkins Dies in Swiss Alps Wingsuit Crash After Colliding With Trees

BERN, Switzerland (BN24) — Kirk Hawkins, the founder and CEO of ICON Aircraft and a former U.S. Air Force fighter pilot, died Tuesday in a wingsuit accident in the Swiss Alps after colliding with trees during a high-altitude jump near the Eiger summit. He was 58.

Hawkins had jumped from a helicopter along with three other wingsuit flyers near the Eiger peak on August 19. According to Swiss police, the American entrepreneur crashed west of the Schüssellouwinegraben area and was pronounced dead at the scene. The other participants reportedly landed safely.

Authorities have launched an investigation into the cause of the crash, which marks another fatal incident in the extreme sport of wingsuit flying, known for its high risks and breathtaking descents.

Hawkins, who co-founded ICON Aircraft in 2006 with his business partner Steen Strand, was widely known as a visionary in the aviation world. The California-based company gained attention for the development of the ICON A5, a sleek light sport aircraft designed to be user-friendly and amphibious. The aircraft, priced at around $389,000, drew praise for its innovative design and was aimed at making flying more accessible to adventure-seekers.

In an emotional tribute shared on LinkedIn, Strand mourned the loss of his longtime friend and collaborator. “I have devastating news to share. We lost Kirk, my close friend and partner at ICON Aircraft, to a wingsuit accident in Switzerland,” he wrote.

Strand described Hawkins as “the most extraordinary person I’ve ever known—or ever will know,” recalling his journey from modest beginnings to an accomplished career that included degrees from Clemson and Stanford, as well as a role flying F-16s in the U.S. Air Force.

“He devoured life experiences most of us would never touch,” Strand wrote. “He was damn good at assessing risks, probably because he took so many. He’d get you into tricky situations, but he’s also the one you wanted beside you when things got dicey.”

Hawkins’ daring approach to life was evident in both his professional and personal pursuits. His death in the Swiss Alps underscores the perils of extreme sports, particularly wingsuit flying, which involves soaring at high speeds in a special jumpsuit designed to mimic human flight.

Local authorities have not released further details regarding the cause of the accident but confirmed that a full investigation is underway.

The loss of Hawkins is being felt deeply across the aviation and adventure communities, where he was seen as both a pioneer and a risk-taker. His legacy at ICON Aircraft, particularly the development of the A5 light sport aircraft, remains a significant contribution to the future of personal aviation.

Lil Nas X Arrested for Charging at Police on LA Street Where He Walked Nearly Naked

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Lil Nas X Arrested for Charging at Police on LA Street Where He Walked Nearly Naked

LOS ANGELES (BN24) — Rapper Lil Nas X was arrested and briefly taken to a hospital for a suspected overdose Thursday after Los Angeles police say he charged at officers responding to a report of a naked man walking on a busy boulevard.

Lil Nas X, whose legal name is Montero Lamar Hill, was booked on suspicion of misdemeanor obstructing an officer and was being held in jail.

Officers found him walking on the normally very busy Ventura Boulevard in the Studio City neighborhood shortly before 6 a.m., Los Angeles police spokesman Officer Charles Miller said.

After charging at arriving police, he was taken into custody, but the officers, suspecting a drug overdose, took him to a hospital first, Miller said. There was no further word on his condition, but he was released from the hospital and taken to jail after just a few hours.

Video obtained by TMZ appeared to show him on the street wearing only underwear and boots.

He was being held at Valley Jail in Van Nuys, near where the police found him.

Messages to Lil Nas X representatives seeking comment were not immediately answered.

The 26-year-old rapper and singer from Atlanta is best known for his breakthrough hit from 2019, “Old Town Road,” which merged country and hip-hop. The song spent a record 19 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart.

Known for his genre-bending, innovative sounds and style, his first full studio album, 2021’s “Montero,” reached No. 2 on the Billboard album chart and was nominated for a Grammy for album of the year.

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