Rap lyrics are at the center of Playboy The Beast’s latest fight with the federal government. The South Dakota rapper, whose real name is Billy Knutson, has joined a lawsuit seeking at least $1 million per plaintiff over the fallout from Jan. 6 prosecutions. He claims his conviction did more than send him to prison. According to a complaint obtained by AllHipHop, Knutson alleges the case cost him touring opportunities, wiped years of music from social media, and damaged relationships that had supported his career.
The lawsuit, filed September 29 in Washington, D.C., includes 13 plaintiffs and names the United States as the defendant. Knutson’s portion takes particular issue with prosecutors using his music during sentencing. His attorneys claim the government submitted nearly two pages of lyrics from a song he released shortly before sentencing as part of its argument for a harsher punishment. The complaint argues that his defense raised concerns about his right to create and release music, but the court considered the lyrics relevant to his conduct.
Knutson pleaded guilty in 2022 to entering or remaining in a restricted building or grounds after participating in the Jan. 6 Capitol breach. He was sentenced to six months behind bars, followed by one year of supervised release, and ordered to pay $500 in restitution. Federal surveillance footage showed him entering the Capitol through a broken window near the Senate Wing, according to his criminal case.
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Playboy The Beast Claims The Case Destroyed His Music Career
The government’s interest in his music did not begin at sentencing. South Dakota Searchlight previously reported that prosecutors pointed to Knutson’s lyrics, criminal history, controversial past, and public comments about Jan. 6 while arguing that incarceration was warranted. His catalog included politically charged records such as “Let’s Go Brandon (fjb)” and “Kyle Rittenhouse,” along with music referencing his ties to the Proud Boys.
Knutson now argues the consequences followed him well outside the courtroom. His lawsuit alleges restrictions prevented him from touring while repeated social media removals erased music that had accumulated millions of views. He also claims artist and label relationships disappeared as his online presence was dismantled. “His livelihood was destroyed,” the complaint states, describing social platforms as central to how he operated as an independent artist.
His attorneys are also alleging lasting health consequences from his incarceration. According to AllHipHop, Knutson argues delayed medical treatment in prison left him with breathing problems that now interfere with his ability to perform. Those claims remain allegations in the civil case and have not been established by a court.
President Donald Trump granted Knutson a pardon as part of his sweeping Jan. 20, 2025 clemency action covering people convicted of Jan. 6-related offenses. The White House proclamation granted full pardons to most convicted defendants while commuting the sentences of 14 others.
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