Family of Celeste Rivas speaks out amid false payment allegations in d4vd case
The family of Celeste Rivas denies receiving any money from d4vd or his relatives
The father of 14-year-old Celeste Rivas Hernandez is rejecting online speculation that his family accepted money from musician d4vd in exchange for silence regarding the teen’s alleged relationship with him.
Through attorney Patrick Steinfeld, Rivas’ father, Jesus Rivas, firmly denied the rumors, stating that the family had no financial or personal contact with the singer.
“I never had any contact with this guy and we haven't received any money from him or anyone in his family,” Steinfeld said on behalf of the father.
The statement comes amid ongoing legal proceedings against d4vd, whose real name is David Anthony Burke, who has been charged with first-degree murder with special circumstances of lying in wait in connection with Rivas’ death.
According to authorities, Rivas’ dismembered remains were discovered in September 2025 inside the trunk of Burke’s impounded Tesla in the Hollywood Hills area of Los Angeles, California.
Her date of death was listed as September 8, 2025, while her official cause of death remains deferred.
Prosecutors have also alleged that Burke maintained contact with Rivas while she was underage, including claims that he facilitated communication by paying another student to deliver a phone to her so they could stay in touch.
In a recent filing, prosecutors further claimed that Rivas traveled with Burke to multiple locations, including Las Vegas, London, and Texas, and spent time at his residence in 2024.
The document also referenced alleged text messages discussing sensitive topics including sex, pregnancy, abortion, and emergency contraception.
Authorities have additionally alleged that Burke was under investigation in connection with separate accusations involving lewd acts against Rivas while she was a minor. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Burke remains in custody awaiting trial. His legal team has previously denied the allegations, stating that he “was not the cause” of Rivas’ death and intends to vigorously contest the case in court.