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R&B singer Trey Songz has been arrested after allegedly punching a Manhattan nightclub employee in the face following a dispute over closing time.
The 41-year-old singer, whose real name is Tremaine Aldon Neverson, was at Dramma Night Club in Times Square with members of his entourage when a worker informed him the venue was closing at about 4:25 a.m. on December 4. Prosecutors told Manhattan criminal court that Neverson became “needlessly irate” during the exchange.
Neverson was arraigned on Sunday on an assault charge stemming from the nightclub incident. He also faces a separate charge of criminal mischief in the second degree related to an unrelated incident earlier that morning at Mira, a Manhattan restaurant and hookah lounge.
According to the criminal complaint, the “Slow Motion” singer allegedly caused about $1,500 worth of damage at the restaurant, including broken hookahs, DJ equipment, and sofas. Neverson appeared in court wearing a black face mask and was released on his own recognizance. The nightclub employee was granted an order of protection against him. Prosecutors noted that Neverson is a regular at the venue.
His attorney, Mitchell Schuster, said in a statement that the incident began when Neverson was confronted by individuals who “instigated a confrontation and attempted to surround him.”
“His security intervened to protect him and contain the situation, and an altercation occurred in the ensuing confusion,” Schuster said. “Despite being the target of the initial provocation, Trey was arrested. Public figures are often treated as targets for instigation in pursuit of headlines or financial gain.” He added that Neverson is cooperating fully with authorities and is confident the full facts will emerge.
The judge granted Neverson supervised release, citing his prior run-ins with the law as a concern. He is due back in court on February 18.
