Full Breakdown
D4vd Dropped by Interscope as Murder Charges Prompt Song Removals
4/25/2026, 9:08:40 AM
The Label Split and Criminal Charges
In late 2024, Interscope Records quietly terminated its contract with David Anthony Burke, known professionally as D4vd. In April 2025 the 21-year-old was arrested and charged with first-degree murder, lying in wait, financial gain, sexual acts with a minor, and mutilation of human remains for the killing of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez, whose dismembered body was found in Burke’s Tesla in September 2024. Burke entered a not-guilty plea at his arraignment.
Background: Rise and Licensing Deal
Burke’s breakout came from TikTok-driven virality of “Romantic Homicide” and “Here With Me,” songs recorded in his bedroom after a Fortnite-inspired foray into music. By 2022 he signed a licensing agreement with Darkroom Records under the Interscope/Universal Music Group (UMG) umbrella. The agreement left UMG without ownership of Burke’s masters; streaming credits now list D4VD ENT., LLC.
Timeline of Key Developments
- Sept 2024: Hernandez’s body discovered in Burke’s Tesla.
- Late 2024: Interscope drops D4vd.
- Apr 23 2025: Hernandez last seen entering Burke’s Hollywood Hills home.
- Apr 2025: Burke arrested and charged; pleads not guilty.
- Apr 29 2025: Follow-up hearing set to address evidence production.
- May 1 2025: Preliminary hearing scheduled.
- 2025: Burke removed from Australia’s Spilt Milk festival lineup.
Collaborators Pull Joint Tracks
Artists who previously featured D4vd have begun removing those songs from streaming services. Kali Uchis withdrew “Crashing,” followed by Holly Humberstone, Laufey, and Damiano David. UMG has assisted these artists in the takedown process, though it does not control the underlying copyrights.
Data & Statistics
Four high-profile collaborators have removed tracks. Streaming platforms—including Spotify, Apple Music, and YouTube—have received petitions from the advocacy group Industry Blackout urging a complete removal of D4vd’s catalog, but none have issued public statements.
Official Statements & Responses
Burke’s defense team issued a statement that the artist “did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez, and he was not the cause of her death.” UMG clarified its involvement was limited to facilitating removals for its partnered artists, noting it holds no ownership of Burke’s recordings. Representatives for Spotify, Apple News, and YouTube declined to comment on potential catalog removal.
Criticism & Opposition
Industry Blackout argued, “The music industry has a responsibility that goes beyond commerce. When an artist has been charged with the sexual abuse and murder of a minor… continuing to stream, promote, and profit from his catalog is a choice. It is not a neutral one.” The group’s Change.org petition calls for the complete deletion of D4vd’s music from all platforms.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
While UMG is aiding song takedowns, its lack of copyright ownership creates uncertainty about who ultimately decides whether D4vd’s recordings remain available. Streaming services have not disclosed their policies or timelines for potential removal, leaving a gap in public accountability.
Verbatim Quotes
- “did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez, and he was not the cause of her death.” — Burke’s defense lawyers
- “The music industry has a responsibility that goes beyond commerce. When an artist has been charged with the sexual abuse and murder of a minor, a child who was drawn into his orbit through his music and public persona, continuing to stream, promote, and profit from his catalog is a choice. It is not a neutral one,” — Industry Blackout, Change.org petition
- “It’s been an informative hearing,” — Marilyn Bednarski, defense attorney
- “contains a significant amount of child pornography” — Prosecutor (quoting iCloud content)
What’s Next
The preliminary hearing set for May 1 2025 will examine the prosecution’s evidence, including the alleged child-pornography found in Burke’s iCloud. Simultaneously, advocacy groups may intensify pressure on streaming platforms, while additional collaborators could seek to withdraw their joint works.
