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| Dallas Police Sgt. Warren C. Mitchell during during a news conference at police headquarters in Dallas Friday, April 2, 2010 announcing they have charged neosoul singer Erykah Badu with disorderly conduct for her nude video shoot on a downtown street at the spot where President John F. Kennedy was shot dead in 1963. |
DALLAS (AP) -- Neosoul singer Erykah Badu faces a disorderly conduct charge for her nude music video shoot in downtown Dallas' Dealey Plaza, officials announced Friday.
Badu, a Dallas native, performed a walking striptease in front of tourists and pedestrians during the March 13 shoot for Badu's "Window Seat" music video. The performance ended with a nude Badu acting out receiving a fatal gunshot to the head at the spot where President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963.
Sgt. Warren Mitchell said Friday the decision to cite Badu for disorderly conduct - a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500 - came after witness Ida Espinosa, 32, of Vernon, offered a sworn statement to police Thursday. Espinosa declined to comment to The Associated Press on Friday.
"Having a fact witness that was there is what let us file the charges," Mitchell said. "After much discussion, we feel that these charges best fit her conduct. She disrobed in a public place without regard to individuals and small children who were close by."
Mitchell said the department has had "people calling from all across the country to express their concern."
Mitchell said Badu can either fight the charge or pay the fine. He said a citation would be mailed to the singer.
Carla Sims, a spokeswoman for Badu, had no immediate comment Friday.
