AllHipHop.com has confirmed that singer D’Angelo has pleaded not guilty to charges that he solicited a prostitute.
D’Angelo, real name Michael Archer, was arrested last Saturday (March 6) in New York’s Greenwich Village section for propositioning an undercover officer with $40 for sex.
Through his management, the acclaimed artist proclaimed his innocence and advised fans of his focus in delivering a new LP this summer, which would be his first in 10 years.
“We know there is a lot of speculation in regard to the arrest of D’Angelo in New York City this past weekend,” stated D’Angelo representative Lindsay Guion. “We would like his fans and the public at large to know that D’Angelo has pled not guilty — and is contesting the allegations made against him. Also know that, he is in good health and extremely excited about his forthcoming new album.”
The vocalist’s last album, Voodoo, was a career milestone, selling over 1.7 million and earning a Grammy for Best R&B album.
In 2005 he was arrested twice, pleading guilty to DUI, marijuana, and cocaine possession charges.
A hearing for the prostitution charge has been set for May 4.Until then, Guion urges fans not to judge the singer based on his past criminal convictions.
“D’Angelo would like to personally thank all of his fans for the outpouring of concern, and appreciates if all would allow the American justice system to resolve the matter before jumping to any conclusions,” she concluded.
At press time, D’Angelo’s forthcoming third studio album does not have a verified release date.