By Nolan Strong
Chart topping rapper Da Brat was sentenced to three years in prison today (August 22), after being charged with assault for hitting a woman in the face with a bottle of rum.
The prison sentence stems from a November 2007 incident, in which Da Brat, born Shawntae Harris, argued with Shala Stevens, a waitress working at Jermaine Dupri’s Club 72.
Stevens, a budding model, Atlanta Falcons cheerleader and actress, suffered deep lacerations to her cheek and swelling to her forehead.
Stevens, who is represented by power attorney Willie Gary and CK Hoffler in a civil lawsuit, also suffered permanent disfigurement and mental distress as a result of the attack.
"Ms. Stevens is a cheerleader, choreographer, dancer, actress and entrepreneur, whose career has been greatly affected by this incident," Gary told AllHipHop.com in a previous statement.
Stevens was also forced to pull out of an upcoming role on Tyler Perry’s sitcom House of Pain due to the injuries she sustained in the assault.
Da Brat must also serve seven years of probation and complete 200 hours of community service.
In 2000, Da Brat was charged with pistol whipping another patron at the Chili Pepper nightclub in Atlanta.
She pleaded guilty, was fined and sentenced to a year of probation.
Da Brat has worked with artists like Mariah Carey, Missy Elliott, Lil Kim, Ludacris, Dem Franchize Boyz, Kelly Rowland and others.