Rapper Joey Bada$$, real name Jo-Vaughn Virginie Scott, was arrested in Australia over the weekend. Bada$$ was heading onstage to perform at the Falls Music and Arts Festival held near the tourism town of Byron Bay in South Wales when a security guard approached the rapper and asked him to prove his identification. Bada$$ then punched the 20 year old guard in his nose, later to be found broken, then headed onstage for his set.
Bada$$ was later charged with assault causing bodily harm. He was held in jail overnight by the Byron Bay police. He could be sentenced to a maximum of five years in prison if convicted. On Saturday, he appeared in the Lismore Local Court where he was released on unconditional bail. The rapper’s representative Bradley Bledsoe stated “Joey can confirm there was a misunderstanding with security at the Byron Falls Festival show, which resulted in charges being laid by NSW Police. After fully cooperating with police, Joey was granted to bail and entered a plea of not guilty to the charge.”
Bada$$’ next court date is March 19. He is not required to appear in court, however, he will be represented in court by a lawyer.
On January 20, Bada$$ will be releasing his debut studio album, B4.DA.$$. According to his website, he will continue touring Australia for the next week.
