A judge issued a bench warrant for Azealia Banks’ arrest after the rapper failed to appear in court on Monday for a hearing related to a 2015 incident where she was accused of attacking a female security guard at a New York nightclub, including punching and biting the guard’s breast.
According to Page Six, her lawyer appeared in Manhattan Criminal Court and relayed the message, “I can be back tomorrow if the court needs it,” from Banks, which caused the judge to issue the bench warrant.
Her entertainment lawyer told Pitchfork in a separate statement that Banks confused the court dates. “Azealia Banks mistakenly believed she had a court appearance on March 8th instead of March 6th,” the lawyer wrote.
“She was in France for Fashion week due to meetings and other social gatherings and was not able to arrange her flight in time to appear today.
She apologizes and will apologize in person to the Court for missing her scheduled hearing. In addition, she attempted to appear via a New York Attorney and through a close family member.”
It continues, “Ms. Banks will go to the department to remedy the situation as soon as possible.
Again, she apologizes for the inconvenience that may have caused the Department.”
She is currently facing charges of misdemeanor assault, attempted assault, disorderly conduct and harassment.
At her private attorney’s request, Banks was also reportedly assigned a free lawyer.
Apart from making music, the Harlem native has dealt with her fair share of controversy in the past including an alleged scuffle at actor Russell Crowe’s party last October.
