Azealia Banks Accepts Plea Deal in Security Guard Assault Case
Azealia Banks accepted a plea deal on Wednesday in an assault case stemming from a 2015 incident in which Banks allegedly bit and punched a female security guard, Page Six reports.
In December 2015, Banks was arrested outside Manhattan’s Up & Down club. After being barred from a private party that was being held at the establishment, Banks allegedly began screaming, cursing and using racial slurs towards the bouncers. The club owner reportedly recognized her and granted her entrance, but once inside she continued to berate the guards.
The female security guard attempted to remove Banks from the club, but the rapper allegedly spat at the guard and was “biting on her boob.” The rapper was arrested and charged with third-degree assault after allegedly punching the female security guard in front of the police.
Banks’ trial was slated to begin on Wednesday, but instead she pled guilty to third-degree assault in exchange for a deferred no-jail sentence. The bargain requires that the rapper complete an anger management program and avoid further trouble with the law, among other stipulations.
If she complies, the assault charge will be reduced to disorderly conduct, which is considered a violation and not a crime. If she violates the terms, she could face jail time of up to one year.