D4vd's Music Faces Removal from Streaming Services Following Murder Charge
Following the arrest of D4vd for the murder of Celeste Rivas Hernandez, streaming platforms like Spotify and Apple Music are under pressure to remove his music, while YouTube has demonetized his account.
Late last year, Interscope Records quietly dropped D4vd after the singer’s arrest for the murder of Celeste Rivas Hernandez. Universal Music Group has since assisted artists who collaborated with D4vd in removing their songs from streaming platforms, Rolling Stone has learned.
The “Romantic Homicide” singer, born David Anthony Burke, was charged with first-degree murder in the death of 14-year-old Rivas. The two were believed to have been in a relationship, and the teen’s dismembered and severely decomposed body was discovered in Burke’s Tesla last September. Rivas was last seen alive entering Burke’s Los Angeles home in late April 2025.
Amid growing calls for streaming platforms to remove his music, YouTube has demonetized his account. A spokesperson confirmed to Rolling Stone that D4vd can no longer earn money from YouTube.
Burke, 21, has pleaded not guilty. His attorneys claim he "did not murder Celeste Rivas Hernandez, and he was not the cause of her death."
Before the arrest, Burke's career was rapidly ascending. His love for the video game Fortnite inspired him to record music in his bedroom closet. By 2022, his songs “Romantic Homicide” and “Here With Me” went viral on TikTok, leading to a record deal with Darkroom Records under Interscope/UMG. He released his debut EP, Petals to Thorns, in May 2023, and his debut studio album Withered in April 2025.
After Burke became a suspect, the record label quietly dropped him sometime last year. Rolling Stone understands that UMG does not hold ownership or copyrights to Burke’s music because his deal was structured as a licensing agreement. His music on streaming platforms now credits D4VD ENT., LLC.
Artists who have collaborated with Burke have begun removing their songs from streaming platforms. Kali Uchis was among the first, pulling down their joint track “Crashing,” followed by Holly Humberstone, Laufey and Damiano David. Rolling Stone understands UMG has helped facilitate that process for some artists.
Streaming services like Spotify and Apple Music are now facing calls to remove Burke’s music entirely. Music advocacy group Industry Blackout has launched a petition to that effect, stating, "The music industry has a responsibility that goes beyond commerce...continuing to stream, promote, and profit from his catalog is a choice."
Representatives for Spotify, Apple News, and YouTube have not yet commented on whether they are considering removing Burke’s music.
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