Watch CBS News

Erykah Badu Pleads Not Guilty to "Window Seat" Striptease Charge

Erykah Badu in her controversial new video for "Window Seat." (ErykahBadu.com)

DALLAS (CBS/AP) Erykah Badu pleaded not guilty to a disorderly conduct charge on Wednesday for her nude music video shoot in downtown Dallas' Dealey Plaza, according to The Dallas Morning News - despite the whole "caught on tape and released as a music video" thing.

PICTURES: Erykah Badu "Window Seat" Controversy

Dallas police Sgt. Warren Mitchell said the decision to cite Badu for disorderly conduct came after witness Ida Espinosa, 32, of Vernon, offered a sworn statement to police in April.

"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."

The neo-soul singer and native Dallas woman performed a walking striptease in front of tourists and pedestrians during the March 13 shoot for Badu's "Window Seat" music video.

The performance ended with a nude Badu acting out receiving a fatal gunshot at the spot where President John F. Kennedy was assassinated in 1963.

Mitchell said the department has had "people calling from all across the country to express their concern."

Disorderly conduct is a misdemeanor; Badu faces a fine of up to $500.

MORE ON CRIMESIDER
March 31, 2010 - Erykah Badu Strips in New Video: Could Have Landed Singer a Year in Jail, Say Police
March 29, 2010 - Erykah Badu Window Seat Video: Is Her Stripping Illegal or Just in Poor Taste?

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.