As per the latest reports, rapper Mystikal, whose real name is Michael Tyler has pleaded not guilty to charges of rape and drugs. The Grammy-nominated rapper was accused of raping and choking a woman at his house in Louisiana and of possessing drugs. However, Mystikal has pleaded guilty of all charges leveled against him. Attorney Joel Pearce said that the rapper is innocent of all charges after the arraignment in Ascension Parish court in Gonzales, about 15 miles (24 kilometers) from Baton Rouge.
Michael Tyler’s charges include first-degree rape, which has a life sentence as punishment. On July 30, Mystikal was arrested in connection with the case. Joel Pearce mentioned that he could not get hold of copies of the two indictments that were read aloud in court. Pearce was quoted saying, “My client doesn't even do drugs, so he has absolutely no idea what they were talking about.” He added “bail may be discussed at a hearing on October 17. Prosecutors said they plan to bring up Tyler's 2003 guilty plea to sexual battery and extortion as evidence of prior crimes.”
The 51-year-old rapper was earlier denied bail during the hearing held on August 2 after State District Judge Steven Tureau stated the allegations related to the rap artist's past criminal record made for a “clear and convincing reason not to give him bail.”
The report added that Michael Tyler and his two bodyguards videotaped themselves in sex acts with the rapper’s hairstylist. The prosecutor in that case, Sue Bernie said in 2003 that the woman accused Tyler of stealing her $80,000 worth of his checks. Mystikal had served six years in prison in connection with that conviction.