Superstar Jimmy Kimmel, along with Benny Blanco and SZA, played a key role in D4vd's rise to fame. However, the spotlight now shifts as he grapples with grave accusations concerning a missing girl.
In a shocking turn of events, the music industry is grappling with a homicide investigation involving acclaimed artist D4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke. The controversy erupted on September 8 when officers found the partial, decomposed remains of 15-year-old Celeste Rivas in a black Tesla Model Y at a Hollywood tow yard. The vehicle was registered in D4vd's name.
The police identified D4vd as an important person in connection with the discovery of Rivas's unclothed and torn body in September 2024. Burke's tour, promoting his debut album 'Withered', has been suspended indefinitely due to the investigation.
Rivas was reported missing by her family in May 2024 when she was 13 years old. It's unclear when the alleged illicit relations began, but one source claimed D4vd first made contact with Rivas when she was 12.
D4vd's brother has reportedly claimed that his family was aware of his alleged relationship with Rivas. However, D4vd has remained silent, with all inquiries being directed to his attorney, Blair Berk, who has not responded to any requests for comment.
Investigators are now examining images and social media posts that appear to show the pair together, as they work to establish the nature of their connection. Images screenshotted from Burke's social media pages show him with a girl who closely resembles descriptions and photos of Rivas.
Meanwhile, D4vd's social media pages show him posing next to various music stars like Billie Eilish, Rosalia, 21 Savage, and producer Benny Blanco. His song jumped up 63 spots to #90 on Spotify's Global Artists chart, and he previously opened for RnB singer SZA on her SOS Tour.
However, the controversy has led to a significant fallout for D4vd. Fellow artists have unfollowed him on Instagram, collaborations have been asked to be pulled from streaming platforms, corporate brands have dropped him from ad campaigns, and his world tour has been suspended indefinitely.
Interscope Records announced it was shelving a planned release for Burke's deluxe album. One of his collaborators, Rosalía, is working to get her 'Crashing' collaboration with Burke removed from all streaming services.
The Houston-raised performer also created an anthem for the online video game Fortnite. Before his meteoric rise, he started his music career by creating soundtracks for gaming videos.
Authorities said the girl appeared to have been dead for some time because her dismembered remains were in an advanced state of decomposition. The police raided a Hollywood Hills home that D4vd had been renting for $20,000 a month, taking bags of evidence, including a laptop.
No charges have yet been filed, and no persons of interest have been named in the case. A GoFundMe has been set up for Rivas's family to help with funeral expenses. The family alleged that Rivas ran away from home because her family didn't approve of her alleged relations with D4vd.
D4vd made his late-night debut on Jimmy Kimmel at the age of 18 in November 2023. Months earlier, he'd performed at LA's coveted Coachella Festival. One of his songs went viral on TikTok, which helped propel him toward stardom.
As the investigation continues, the music industry waits to see how this scandal will unfold and what impact it will have on D4vd's career.
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