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Music

Big Freedia Ordered to Live in Halfway House After Failing Drug Tests

The New Orleans artist was found in violation of the conditions of her bail.
Photo via Wikimedia Commons.

Big Freedia, born Freddie Ross Jr., has been ordered by a federal judge to live in a halfway house and submit to substance abuse testing after repeatedly testing positive for illegal drugs, according to The New Orleans Advocate. She reportedly tested positive for marijuana and methamphetamines across three drug tests administered between April and June. The presiding official, US District Judge Lance Africk, ruled that these actions violate the conditions of her existing bail terms.

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Back in March, Freedia pleaded guilty to felony theft, having understated her income on housing aid applications between the years of 2010 and 2014, accepting approximately $35,000 in Section 8 vouchers despite being ineligible to do so. Though the "Queen of Bounce" was granted release ahead of her sentencing date by posting bail for $25,000, the results of the drug tests change those circumstances.

As a result, The FADER adds, Big Freedia will need permission from her probation officer to leave the halfway house, and all of her upcoming live dates must be approved by the US Probation and Pretrial Services.

Big Freedia's sentencing is scheduled for August 11, where she faces up to ten years in prison and a $250,000 fine.