In late 2023, D4vd, the artist behind “Romantic Homicide,” faced serious legal issues after being charged with the murder of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Following his arrest, Interscope Records quietly dropped him from its label. Universal Music Group took it a step further by assisting some artists who collaborated with D4vd to remove their songs from streaming platforms.
D4vd, born David Anthony Burke, is accused of first-degree murder in the killing of Rivas. Their relationship raised many questions, especially after Rivas’s dismembered body was found in Burke’s Tesla. She was last seen entering his Los Angeles home in April 2025.
YouTube has demonetized Burke’s account, citing a violation of their community guidelines due to off-platform behavior. “We’ve suspended this artist from the YouTube Partner Program,” a spokesperson confirmed, indicating that Burke can no longer earn money from his videos.
Burke, who is 21, has pleaded not guilty to the charges. His attorneys maintain he did not cause Rivas’s death. Before these tragic events, Burke’s career was on a rapid ascent. He gained popularity by recording music in his bedroom, with his songs catching fire on TikTok, leading to a record deal and the release of his debut EP.
As the investigation intensified, Interscope Records quietly severed ties with him, and Universal Music Group clarified that they have no copyrights to his music because of the structure of his deal. Now, any music credited to him is managed by D4VD ENT., LLC.
Many artists who collaborated with D4vd, including Kali Uchis, have started to withdraw their songs from platforms. This backlash illustrates a growing sensitivity within the music community. Advocacy groups are now urging streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music to take further action. A petition launched by Industry Blackout calls for D4vd’s music to be removed entirely, stressing that artists charged with serious crimes should not benefit from their music.
This incident raises broader questions about the responsibilities of streaming platforms and the music industry. As more artists and advocates voice their concerns, the pressure on these platforms to make ethical choices in the wake of such allegations is likely to increase.
The case has also sparked conversations on social media, with many users weighing in on the issue. Some defend artistic freedom, while others argue for a more responsible approach to supporting musicians. The dialogue around the intersection of art and personal actions continues to evolve, reflecting society’s shifting views on accountability and ethics in the entertainment industry.
For further information on how streaming platforms handle situations like this, you can check out Rolling Stone, which provides detailed coverage on such topics.
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