After having signed a new record deal with E1 Music this past March as well as gearing up for the summer release of his forthcoming albumThe Darkside Vol. 1, Fat Joe seems to be experiencing quite a good streak. However, on Monday, the rapper was questioned by Wisconsin police after a woman accused the rapper and his entourage of physically “groping” her.
The 33-year old Madison woman claimed that she got into Fat Joe’s limo at 7p.m. following a concert at the Orpheum Theatre. At around 12:45 a.m. that Monday morning, the woman called police, claiming that she was a victim of a sexual assault that occurred in the vehicle.
In a statement released on Tuesday, Fat Joe’s attorney, Dawn Florio, called the allegations “false,” and suggested that the alleged victim was merely a “groupie pretender.”
“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.”
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The statement goes on, “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.”
Fat Joe has not yet spoken pubicly about the matter. (June 23)
UPDATE: Late on the evening of June 24, E1 Entertainment released the following statement from Dawn Florio, Esq. on behalf of Fat Joe:
“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.
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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.”
