For years, Eugene “Big U” Henley was viewed as a respected community leader and a feared street figure, but now his reputation faces intense scrutiny. On Wednesday, March 19, the South Los Angeles figure turned himself into an FBI agent, meeting for the first time the serious federal charges that could rattle the cornerstone of his legacy. Sadly, Henley wasn’t simply a music executive and advocate, but he was supposedly running a mafia-style crime syndicate disguised as his nonprofit, Developing Options, authorities said.
Big U has long been regarded as a major intermediary in LA’s gang culture, helping guide at-risk youth away from violence. However, the FBI said his outreach work was just a front and that he used nonprofit funds to support organized crime. Those charges include murder, running a criminal enterprise, and financial crimes related to celebrity donations, some of which might have originated with the NBA legend Shaquille O’Neal.
Federal agents also arrested the alleged associate, Bryan Mejia, strengthening a case against Henley. The arrest reverberated throughout South LA, leaving many supporters to wonder what the truth behind a man they believed was their beacon of hope was.
However, not everyone viewed Big U as a positive force; his community work earned him praise and respect, but he also had critics. One of the individuals who came forward was rapper Helecia Choyce, who collaborated with Henley and, based on her allegations, was abused and exploited. In a Fox 11 interview, Choyce spoke in detail about years of abuse, saying she lived in fear of Henley’s authority and control.
“You cannot be evil when the cameras are off, but you can smile and help kids when the cameras are on,” Choyce said, offering a portrait of a man who mixed philanthropy with intimidation. She then described physical abuse, threats, and efforts to blackball her from the music industry.
While her allegations are not directly attached to the federal courts, they contribute to the growing controversy surrounding Henley.
Federal investigators have tied Big U to the murder of a young rapper in Las Vegas in 2021. Sources in police tell us the killing was, in fact, retaliation for a disrespectful lyric directed at Henley. That revelation has only deepened the federal case against him, complicating the story of a man who once helped foster peace with a new picture of a man who allegedly masterminded violence.
As if things weren’t already complex enough in this explosive case, Big U is now accusing his industry rival Wack 100 of being “a snitch.” Their past has been rocky, replete with public feuds and allegations for years. Now that Henley is in serious trouble, his comments against Wack 100 further raise more questions. Is this a pathetic attempt to distract us all, or was he telling the truth?
As the investigation continues, Henley and his co-defendant remain in federal custody. Supporters and opponents are waiting to see how far this case goes and whether more names emerge. Hip-hop, community activism, and street politics became much more challenging to navigate.
The line separating hero and villain becomes increasingly blurry as this case develops, while South LA wrestles with unraveling one of their power players while retired.
Watch this Video of Big U on YouTube
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