US rapper Mystikal pleads guilty to third-degree rape in 2022 arrest | Louisiana
US rapper Mystikal pleaded guilty on Tuesday to third-degree rape in connection with a case that led to his arrest in 2022.
Mystikal, whose real name is Michael Tyler, faces up to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty at a state courthouse outside Baton Rouge, Louisiana, local news outlets reported. WBRZ And WAFB.
Tyler, 55, was initially charged with more serious crimes to which he pleaded not guilty: first-degree rape, simple robbery, domestic violence and false imprisonment.
Tyler’s guilty plea was reportedly part of a deal that reduced the overall seriousness of the case against him. If he had been convicted as originally charged, he would have faced a mandatory life sentence.
Mystikal achieved worldwide success with Shake Ya Ass in 2000 and was subsequently nominated for two Grammy awards. There was a single unforgettable cameo Hugh Grant, Toni Collette and Nicholas Hoult in About a Boy.
He also had his first album top the Billboard 200 before being sentenced to six years in prison in 2004 after being found guilty of sexual assault and extortion in a case involving his hairstylist.
The previous conviction required Tyler to: register as a sex offender.
In 2012, the songwriter was sentenced to three months in prison following his arrest for domestic abuse. He was later charged with rape and kidnapping in 2017 before authorities dropped the case.
The case, to which Tyler pleaded guilty Tuesday ahead of a March 30 trial date, focused on a victim who told investigators he raped, beat and strangled her. He also said he took her phone and car keys to stop her from leaving and then forced her to send him money through the Cash App platform.
Tyler’s sentencing hearing is tentatively scheduled for June.
Guardian reporting partner WWL Louisiana contributed
