23 year-old rapper Big Sean - real name Sean Anderson - has escaped jail for forcible touching, unlawful imprisonment and sex abuse; the charges had been levelled at both him and fellow rapper Willie Hansbro. Anderson reportedly pleaded guilty to the charge at the hearing, which took place in Lewiston, New York and agreed to a deal with the Niagara County police and the victim with a $750 fine. The pair were called into court after a 17 year-old girl told police that she was sexually assaulted during a Big Sean concert in August.
The rapper has had a phenomenal breakthrough year in 2011, releasing his debut album 'Finally Famous' on Def Jam, the record making the US Billboard Top 5, debuting at number 3 with sales of just under 200,000. The charges come as an unwanted detraction from that and have sullied an otherwise spiralling ascendancy. However, upon reaching the deal Deputy District Attorney Holly Sloma commented "This was a fair resolution to the victim which allowed us to get a criminal conviction and an acceptance of responsibility for what occurred that night," going on to say "This will allow the victim to move forward, which is what she wants to do."
With Hansbro paying the fine too, the pair got off, with The Niagara Gazette reporting that a statement released on behalf of the artist read, "Mr. Anderson regrets any misunderstanding that occurred that day, but reiterates he did not engage in any type of sexual misconduct."