S. Samuel
Terror Squad leader Fat Joe has reportedly had all sexual assault charges cleared after being allegedly detained by Wisconsin police earlier this week.
A statement from the rapper’s camp was issued Thursday (June 24) night.
“Joseph Cartagena, known as Fat Joe, and others have been officially cleared by the Madison Wisconsin Police Department of any wrongdoing. Fat Joe had no contact with, and never spoke to his accuser. He was questioned for a few minutes at his hotel room and was never detained by the police. Making a false claim of a sexual nature in order to extort money is one of the most horrific accusations because it not only tarnishes reputations but has the potential to destroy families. Mr. Cartagena wholeheartedly thanks his family, friends, and fans for their continued support, loyalty, and words of encouragement throughout this ordeal.” (Statement)
Details on what took place last weekend landed online Monday morning.
At approximately 12:46 AM, Madison Police were dispatched to the 400 block of N. Lake Street reference allegations of a sexual assault. After police arrived on scene, allegations by a 33-year-old female involved the entourage of Joseph Cartagena (AKA “Fat Joe”), after a hip hop concert at the Orpheum Theater on 6/20/2010. The concert started at 7pm at The Orpheum Theater (located at 216 State Street), and shortly after the concert had concluded, a 33-year-old female found herself inside of a Cadillac Limousine with Joseph Cartagena and other male subjects all with the destination of a hotel located on Madison’s west side. There were allegations of inappropriate touching involving the female, and after some time had elapsed, the female reported this matter to Madison Police. Cartagena was questioned along with others in his entourage. Detectives briefly detained subjects involved in this matter, and released parties after interviews were completed. (NBC 15 News)
Following the accusations, a statement was issued by a Fat Joe representative.
“Rapper Joseph Cartagena, known as Fat Joe, members of his entourage and security staff were briefly questioned by members of the Madison, Wisconsin Police Department who were investigating false allegations made by a woman who initially posed as a fan and later claimed to be the victim of an assault after demanding money. At no point did Mr. Cartagena or any member of his entourage assault or have any improper contact with the woman. It is truly unfortunate that false allegations such as these cause the public to doubt the claims of actual victims of sexual assaults.” (Statement)
Based on a first-hand account by reporter Lisa Gartner, the rapper was boarding a flight in Chicago O’Hare International Airport on Monday.
Chicago O’Hare International Airport, Monday, something like way-too-early o’clock in the American Airlines terminal… Part-time Plantation resident Joseph Cartagena (“Fat Joe”) was hanging out in O’Briens, a restaurant/bar. But today I found out the real news behind Fat Joe’s Midwest swing-through. After a Sunday night gig in Madison, Wisc., the rapper was detained after a 33-year-old woman filed sexual assault claims against members of his crew. They were all released early Monday morning; no arrests were made. Madison is about a two and a half hour drive from O’Hare, and quick connecting flights shuttle there from Milwaukee, so it’s likely that in O’Briens he was exhausted, in addition to pretty disgruntled. I returned to my seat, hot apple cider in hand and infused with caramel, never imagining that Fat Joe would be boarding my flight too. (Broward Palm Beach)
Check out some recent Fat Joe footage below:
