Lil Durk's Father Accuses Jail Officials Of Harassment

The not-guilty verdict brought some relief to Lil Durk's family in September, but it didn't bring him home. Now, his father is accusing federal detention officials of "harassment" after the rapper was placed in solitary confinement just days before a hearing to reconsider his release. Dontay Banks Sr., better known as Big Durk, believes the timing is deliberate, especially with his son attempting to secure bond while awaiting another criminal trial.

Speaking with TMZ in Los Angeles on Wednesday (Nov. 4), Banks criticized the treatment his son has reportedly received at the Metropolitan Detention Center. He said the rapper remains in good spirits despite the circumstances, although the family hasn't been able to communicate with him since his placement in solitary. Banks was accompanied by his spiritual representative, Zül-Qarnaįn, who emphasized Durk's continued commitment to his faith. The father's message to supporters was simple. "Keep us in prayer," he said.

The complaint follows reports that Durk was moved into the jail's Special Housing Unit on Oct. 30. Jose Rojas, a union secretary representing Bureau of Prisons employees, confirmed the transfer to TMZ. Sources familiar with the situation alleged that officials had repeatedly searched Durk's cell without discovering contraband following his acquittal. He was reportedly reprimanded for "talking back" after questioning the searches. The Bureau of Prisons hasn't confirmed the reason for his placement, citing privacy and security concerns.

This isn't Durk's first experience with restrictive housing. His attorneys previously challenged a 131-day stay in solitary confinement that began in August 2025 following an allegation involving an unauthorized Apple Watch. His legal team argued that he had been confined for approximately 23 hours a day, with limited access to visitation and other privileges. He returned to the general jail population in January 2026, per Complex.

Durk was acquitted of all five charges in his September murder-for-hire trial, but he remains in federal custody over separate allegations involving murder in aid of racketeering and a firearm offense. He has pleaded not guilty, and that trial is scheduled for August 30, 2027. His attorneys have proposed a substantial bond package, including a guarantee of up to $1 million from Sony Music Entertainment. Jay-Z and J. Cole have also submitted letters supporting his release.

Federal prosecutors, however, are fighting that request. In a Nov. 4 filing, they argued that the proposed financial guarantees don't adequately address their concerns about public safety or flight risk. They also challenged the celebrity endorsements submitted on Durk's behalf, accusing his supporters of attempting to influence the proceedings through publicity. The prosecution's objections arrived the same day as his bond hearing before U.S. District Judge Michael W. Fitzgerald. The court's decision could determine whether Durk spends the months leading up to his next trial at home or remains in federal custody.