Rock Singer Rick James Faces New Accusations : Crime: Videotape allegedly shows the Grammy-award winner attacking one woman with a belt.
SAN FERNANDO — Two more women have come forward to accuse singer Rick James of assault during sex and drug sessions, with one providing a videotape showing the Grammy-award winner beating her with a belt and bragging about the attack, prosecutors disclosed Friday.
The new allegations surfaced after James was convicted of assaulting a woman under similar circumstances. Deputy Dist. Atty. Andrew Flier said one case is under review for possible prosecution.
“Maybe I should hire myself out as a professional woman beater,” James said on the videotape, according to a court document prosecutors prepared for the singer’s sentencing.
Friday was a tough day for the onetime “King of Funk” known for his best-selling R&B; singles and albums. James had hoped to marry his co-defendant in court Friday, but bailiffs refused to allow the ceremony and the judge declined to order them to do otherwise.
James’ sentencing was delayed until Nov. 5. He faces a maximum of eight years and eight months in prison. His fiance, Tanya Anne Hijazi, pleaded guilty to related charges and under a plea agreement has been sentenced to four years in prison.
Prosecutors were ready to present the videotape to illustrate what they contend is James’ “propensity for violence and sadomasochism,” according to the court document.
“The people are prepared to present to the court a videotape depicting the defendant engaging in group sex with a young woman and a lot of narcotics being consumed,” according to the memo. “Although the sexual conduct appears consensual, the defendant is shown striking the female repeatedly and graphically with a belt.
“Blood is observable.”
James’ attorney dismissed the new allegations as “garbage and ancient history.”
The videotape cited in the court memo is more than 3 years old and can’t be used against James because of the three-year statute of limitations, prosecutors said.
But Flier said an investigation continues into a second set of charges made to police more recently by a former girlfriend and that his office may file additional charges against James.
James was convicted last month of assaulting and imprisoning a woman at a ritzy West Hollywood hotel and of furnishing cocaine to a woman who says she was tortured for hours with a hot cocaine pipe.
The jury that found him guilty on three counts deadlocked 11 to 1 on eight other charges, including two counts of torture. Flier vowed to actively prosecute the unresolved charges.
By prior arrangement with San Fernando Superior Court Judge Michael Hoff, Hijazi was in court for what the couple hoped would be their marriage ceremony. They were prepared with a marriage license, a minister, formal clothing and two rings.
But Hoff’s decision not to force bailiffs to allow the ceremony makes it likely the couple won’t be married until one is released from prison. Officials said marriages are not allowed in County Jail, where both are currently being held.
Hijazi pleaded guilty to assault with a deadly weapon for helping James abuse a woman at the St. James’ Hotel. As part of a plea bargain she was sentenced two weeks ago to four years in prison, but Hoff ordered jail officials to keep her in Los Angeles and to bring her to court Friday.
Denying a request by James’ attorney, Mark J. Werksman, the judge said he will not order Hijazi back to court, meaning that she will likely be turned over the state Department of Corrections in the next two weeks.
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