(AllHipHop News) Hip-Hop performer and reality star Big Freedia has been placed on probation and ordered to pay back the $35,000 she stole in U.S. government funds.
The transgender artist, born Freddie Ross Jr., pleaded guilty to the theft of housing voucher funds in March, after continuing to receive subsidies after the 38-year-old rose to fame.
Freedia, who appeared in the video for Beyonce’s#### single “Formation,” had initially been due to be sentenced on 9 August, but the date was postponed, and on Thursday, U.S. District Judge Lance Africk handed down her punishment.
During the court hearing, it was revealed the star, who faced up to 10 years behind bars, had taken full responsibility for the crime and had already paid back more than $34,000 in restitution, a move which pleased the judge, who ordered Freedia to serve three years on probation.
She also told the court she was now drug-free after previously struggling with substance abuse.