Big U allegedly refused to leave his jail cell for a Sept. 17 hearing, prompting a federal judge to authorize U.S. Marshals to use force.
Eugene “Big U” Henley Jr. faces the possibility of being forcibly removed from his Los Angeles jail cell after allegedly refusing to appear for a federal court hearing.
U.S. District Judge Fernando L. Aenlle-Rocha authorized U.S. Marshals to use reasonable force and restraints if necessary to bring Henley into court Thursday, Sept. 17, according to an order obtained by Complex.
The unusual development came after the court was informed that Henley would not leave his cell at the Metropolitan Detention Center in Los Angeles for a proceeding scheduled for 9 a.m.
“IT IS ORDERED that the Marshals produce defendant in Courtroom 6B forthwith for the purpose of attending today’s hearing,” the order states.
Join Us
AllHipHop’s Daily News Service
Delivering news to inboxes since 1999. We break it. They take it. Get it first, straight from AllHipHop.
Aenlle-Rocha gave federal authorities considerable latitude to make that happen. The judge authorized deputies to use “all reasonable force and restraints necessary to produce the defendant in court.”
There was an important limitation. Marshals were instructed not to take measures that could place Henley at risk because of a medical condition.
Henley was also required to receive a final warning before deputies could resort to force. The order directed authorities to read the document to him and provide “one final opportunity to agree immediately to come to court without the use of force.”
The authorization does not mean force was ultimately used against Henley. The order gave Marshals permission to compel his appearance if he continued refusing to cooperate.
The courtroom confrontation added another complication to an already sprawling federal prosecution.
Thursday’s proceeding concerned an emergency request by Henley’s attorneys to withdraw from representing him, according to Complex. His defense has previously said it was working through more than 1.1 million pieces of evidence in the case, including thousands of surveillance videos and tens of thousands of intercepted phone calls.
Henley, 59, has remained in federal custody since his March 2025 arrest.
Federal prosecutors have accused the longtime music executive and former manager of Nipsey Hussle and Kurupt of being a figure within the Rollin’ 60s Neighborhood Crips. Henley has denied the government’s allegations.
The prosecution originally emerged through a 43-count indictment. The case later expanded through a superseding indictment that included additional allegations involving solicitation to commit a crime of violence, witness tampering, wire fraud and conspiracy connected to transporting an individual for prostitution. Henley pleaded not guilty to the additional charges in August.
Henley’s ability to leave federal custody has previously been litigated. He was denied bail in April 2025 after a magistrate judge cited concerns involving possible obstruction and witness intimidation.
The latest order could have consequences beyond a single morning at the courthouse. Complex reported that the directive remains effective for future proceedings unless the court modifies it, meaning Marshals retain authority to compel Henley’s appearance.
His trial is currently scheduled for Feb. 16, 2027.
For Henley, the battle over the federal government’s accusations is now unfolding alongside a more immediate struggle over his physical presence in the courtroom. The Sept. 17 order made the judge’s position unmistakable: When court is in session, staying inside a jail cell may no longer be an option.