Few people can fully understand the challenges Lashawnda Woodard has faced in recent years. While watching her son, Lil Durk, rise to become one of Chicago’s biggest rap stars, she has also endured an unimaginable amount of loss. In 2021, Durk’s older brother, Dontay “DThang” Banks Jr., was fatally shot outside a suburban Chicago nightclub, a tragedy that deeply affected the family and added to the many losses the rapper has publicly mourned throughout his career.
Now, Woodard is navigating yet another difficult chapter as her son remains in custody awaiting trial on federal murder-for-hire charges. Lil Durk has been behind bars since October 2024 after prosecutors alleged he was involved in a plot tied to the 2022 killing of Saviay’a “Lul Pab” Robinson, cousin of rapper Quando Rondo. The rapper has pleaded not guilty and continues to contest the allegations.
For a mother who has already experienced the loss of one son, the uncertainty surrounding Durk’s legal battle has brought even more emotional strain. During a recent appearance on the Victim or Villain podcast, Woodard opened up about how she has been coping and shared an update on her son’s well-being amid the ongoing case.
“It’s like I lost another child,” Woodard said. “It hurts. It hurts, like—I couldn’t believe it. And, I knew something [was wrong] because I kept calling his phone, and he don’t answer. And then I called his sisters, ‘Have you heard from him?’ They like, nah. I text him but…so, finally I got the call. And I’m like, ‘Oh my god.’”
Woodard revealed that it was Lil Durk himself who called her to explain what was happening with his legal situation.
At the time, the rapper was in Florida, and she said it took a “couple of days” before she was finally able to hear from him. During the interview, the podcast host also praised Durk, describing him as one of the kindest celebrities she has encountered. She highlighted his dedication to his children and his commitment to giving back to the community that helped shape him.
Providing an update on his current state, Woodard said, “Every time I talk to him, it’s never serious. So, he’s doing pretty good.”
She also confirmed speculation surrounding the rapper’s appearance. When asked whether Durk had cut off his locs, Woodard responded that “he did.”
The emotional conversation offered fans a rare glimpse into how the family is coping as Lil Durk continues to await trial, while also sharing reassurance that he remains in good spirits despite the circumstances.
