CeeLo Green has pleaded not guilty to giving a woman ecstasy before going back to her hotel during a 2012 dinner in Los Angeles, but was not charged with rape.
The Grammy-winning US rapper, whose real name is Thomas DeCarlo Callaway, appeared in court on Monday, Oct. 21 and entered the plea through his defense lawyer Blair Berk. Prosecutors requested the bail to be set at at $30,000.
Berk said that there was not enough evidence from the prosecution to support the sexual assault charges which is why they were dropped.
The Los Angeles County District Attorney's office said Green "allegedly slipped ecstasy to a 33-year-old female while the two were dining at a downtown Los Angeles" restaurant in July last year.
"The two later went back to the woman's hotel. Prosecutors declined to file a charge of rape of an intoxicated person, citing insufficient evidence," it added.
Berk said in a statement: "We are pleased that the Los Angeles County District Attorney has completed its investigation and concluded that the evidence did not support the false and unfounded claims made over a year ago."
She also added that any sexual contact between the two were consensual. "Mr. Green encouraged a full and complete investigation of those claims and he was confident once conducted he would be cleared of having any wrongful intent and it would be established that any relations were consensual," Blerk added. "CeeLo had faith that if the true facts were known the district attorney would reject those charges."
"As it relates to the one charge of furnishing or sharing ecstasy, Mr. Green will responsibly address that matter in a court of law," she added.
TMZ reported that the woman claimed to have a recorded conversation of Green talking about the incident. However, sources told TMZ that Green did not say anything about slipping ecstasy in her drink but he did mention the drug.
Green could face up to four years of prison if convicted, CNN reported. However, this is the musician's first offense which means he could only be given probation. He is expected to report to the sheriff's for booking within 24 hours. He is due back in court on November 20, Daily Mail reported.
The 39-year-old rapper is best known for the 2006 worldwide hit song Crazy. He had won five Grammys including two last year for best traditional R&B performance and best R&B song for "Fool for You." He currently appears as a judge in NBC's The Voice.
