Rapper Daniel Hernandez known as Tekashi 6ix9ine was released from the Metropolitan Detention Center in Brooklyn on Friday, April 3, 2026, after completing a three-month sentence. Upon his departure, the recording artist made a significant claim regarding a fellow high-profile inmate.
The rapper, whose legal name is Daniel Hernandez, shared a video on social media shortly after his release. In the footage, he presents a SpongeBob SquarePants toy that he alleges was signed by Nicolás Maduro during their time in the facility.
Maduro, the former Venezuelan leader who has been facing federal legal proceedings in the United States, was reportedly housed at the same Brooklyn detention center during Hernandez’s term. Official reports confirm Maduro’s presence at the facility for several weeks, aligning with the rapper’s stay.
Hernandez displayed the item to his followers, referring to it as his "jail house Sponge9ine." He stated that the interaction occurred within the secure boundaries of the federal detention center before his scheduled release this morning.
The video has rapidly circulated across multiple digital platforms, generating millions of views and significant debate. Observers have reacted with a combination of skepticism and curiosity regarding the alleged meeting between the hip-hop figure and the political leader.
While interactions between inmates in high-security federal facilities are heavily monitored, legal analysts note such encounters can occur depending on specific housing assignments and security protocols. The Federal Bureau of Prisons has not yet released an official statement regarding the claims.
Public response to the footage has been widespread, with many users questioning the authenticity of the signature. Others have noted that the timeline provided by Hernandez matches the period during which both men were confirmed to be at the MDC.
The incident represents a unique intersection of contemporary celebrity culture and international legal affairs. The presence of global political figures in local federal lockups continues to be a subject of public interest and media scrutiny.
While the signature on the toy has not been independently verified, the video remains the primary trending topic online today. Hernandez’s release marks the end of his latest legal chapter as he returns to the public eye following his sentence.