Erykah Badu was charged with disorderly conduct over the video for “Window Seat,” in which the soul singer stripped nude. She will be sent a citation and may have to pay a fine up to $500, according to TMZ.com.
The controversial video was shot in Dallas, TX and a woman filed indecency complaint with the local police department.
Sgt. Warren Mitchell said Friday the decision to cite Badu for disorderly conduct — a misdemeanor punishable by a fine of up to $500 — came after witness Ida Espinosa, 32, of Vernon, offered a sworn statement to police Thursday.
“Having a fact witness that was there is what let us file the charges,” Mitchell said. “After much discussion, we feel that these charges best fit her conduct. She disrobed in a public place without regard to individuals and small children who were close by.”
Mitchell said the department has had “people calling from all across the country to express their concern.”
Mitchell said Badu can either fight the charge or pay the fine. He said a citation would be mailed to the singer.
Badu joked about the charge on her Twitter. “Charged on good friday …..return of the ankh,” she said, “1 DOLLAR FOR EVERY NEW AMERYKAH PRODUCT SOLD AT GOOD RECORDS TOMORROW WILL GO TOWARD MY BAIL MONEY.THANK YOU .”
The charge is a misdemeanor.
Information from Allhiphop.com and TMZ.com contributed to this report.