R&B singer Trey Songz was arrested Sunday on assault charges after two separate alleged physical altercations in Manhattan this month.
Why was Trey Songz arrested?
Songz was arrested early Sunday on felony criminal mischief charges after an incident at Mira Mediterranean & Hookah Lounge in Midtown, where he allegedly damaged $1,500 worth of property, including hookahs, DJ equipment and sofas, according to a police report and court documents obtained by Billboard.
Songz was also charged with five misdemeanor assault and harassment counts stemming from a different incident weeks earlier. He allegedly punched a man in the face at the DRAMMA nightclub in Times Square.
The 41-year-old singer was arraigned on Sunday and released on his own recognizance with a court date set for February, per Billboard. If convicted on the felony charges, Songz faces up to seven years in prison.
Trey Songz’s attorney says he is ‘cooperating fully’
His attorney, Mitchell Schuster, said the incident at the nightclub began when Songz was approached by individuals “who instigated a confrontation and attempted to surround him.”
“His security intervened to protect him and contain the situation, and an altercation occurred in the ensuring [sic] confusion,” Schuster said in a statement obtained by the New York Post. “Despite being the target of the initial provocation, Trey was arrested.
“Public figures are often treated as targets for instigation in pursuit of headlines or financial gain,” he added. “Trey is cooperating fully in both matters, and we are confident the full context and facts will come to light.”
The latest incidents add to Songz’s long history of legal issues. Over the years, the singer has faced arrests on charges, including assault, domestic violence and rape, according to The Cut. His accusers include WNBA players, actors, singers and Instagram models.