Ja Rule's rap sheet adds Toronto assault charge
CTV.ca News Staff
Rap megastar Ja Rule surrendered himself to Toronto police on Monday, to face a charge of assault stemming from an incident at a downtown nightclub.
Reporting from the Toronto court where the 28-year-old star appeared before a judge Monday morning, CTV reporter Tom Hayes says support came from some unlikely quarters.
"When Atkins made his way into the courtroom this morning, prisoners in the back holding cell could be heard cheering," Hayes said, adding that the court was packed with fans eager to catch a glimpse of the rapper.
While Atkins refused to comment for the media gathered on the steps of the downtown courthouse, he did stop to sign autographs for fans.
According to Toronto police, Atkins has been charged in connection with a June 5th altercation at La Rouge Nightclub in the city's downtown entertainment district.
A publication ban has been imposed on evidence related to the case.
Without entering a plea, Atkins was released on $10,000 bail. He is due back in court on August 30.
The New Jersey native is no stranger to the courtroom, having also been charged this month with misdemeanour possession of marijuana and driving with a suspended licence.
Appearing in a Manhattan court to face those charges, Atkins pleaded guilty to the driving violation. The drug charge was dropped, but during the proceedings prosecutors introduced a new wrinkle.
It turned out Atkins had an open warrant for resisting arrest in Jamaica -- dating back to 1996. He later appeared in a Queens courtroom where a judge ordered him to pay a $100 US fine and wiped his record clean.
In addition to the top-10 chart success of his last four consecutive albums, Ja Rule's star has risen in several movies including The Fast and the Furious and Scary Movie 3.
Once best known for his gruff delivery and hardcore style, the Grammy-nominated performer has softened his image of late -- with a series of pop-friendly duets alongside divas Jennifer Lopez and Ashanti.
He's also made headlines for his purported feud with fellow rap superstar 50 Cent.
CTV.ca News Staff
Rap megastar Ja Rule surrendered himself to Toronto police on Monday, to face a charge of assault stemming from an incident at a downtown nightclub.
Reporting from the Toronto court where the 28-year-old star appeared before a judge Monday morning, CTV reporter Tom Hayes says support came from some unlikely quarters.
"When Atkins made his way into the courtroom this morning, prisoners in the back holding cell could be heard cheering," Hayes said, adding that the court was packed with fans eager to catch a glimpse of the rapper.
While Atkins refused to comment for the media gathered on the steps of the downtown courthouse, he did stop to sign autographs for fans.
According to Toronto police, Atkins has been charged in connection with a June 5th altercation at La Rouge Nightclub in the city's downtown entertainment district.
A publication ban has been imposed on evidence related to the case.
Without entering a plea, Atkins was released on $10,000 bail. He is due back in court on August 30.
The New Jersey native is no stranger to the courtroom, having also been charged this month with misdemeanour possession of marijuana and driving with a suspended licence.
Appearing in a Manhattan court to face those charges, Atkins pleaded guilty to the driving violation. The drug charge was dropped, but during the proceedings prosecutors introduced a new wrinkle.
It turned out Atkins had an open warrant for resisting arrest in Jamaica -- dating back to 1996. He later appeared in a Queens courtroom where a judge ordered him to pay a $100 US fine and wiped his record clean.
In addition to the top-10 chart success of his last four consecutive albums, Ja Rule's star has risen in several movies including The Fast and the Furious and Scary Movie 3.
Once best known for his gruff delivery and hardcore style, the Grammy-nominated performer has softened his image of late -- with a series of pop-friendly duets alongside divas Jennifer Lopez and Ashanti.
He's also made headlines for his purported feud with fellow rap superstar 50 Cent.
