A New York rapper will appear in Byron Bay local court in March after allegedly punching a security guard at the Falls Music and Arts Festival.
Joey Badass, whose real name is Jo-Vaughn Virginie Scott, was arrested on Friday after allegedly punching the guard just before he was about to go on stage to perform.
Police said the 19-year-old rapper spent Friday evening locked up after being refused bail.
He was released on Saturday after appearing before a bail court in Lismore.
Police allege Joey Badass had punched the 20-year-old security guard in the face, chipping a front tooth and causing swelling and a blood nose.
The incident took place about 8.30pm, just prior to Badass performing. Police arrested the rapper once he had finished his show.
‘Emergency services attended and the man was treated for a broken nose and other facial injuries,’ police said in a statement.
‘Officers from Tweed/Byron local area command attended and arrested a 19-year-old man.
‘The man, a performer at the festival, was taken to Byron Bay police station where he was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm.’
Badass is scheduled to appear at Byron Bay Local Court on 19 March.
Meanwhile, police were also called to the festival site on Saturday to investigate a report of a rape.
A woman was taken to Byron hospital for a medical examination on Saturday after contacting police.
Police said detectives were still investigating the allegation but no charges have been laid.
The trouble on Friday evening followed the death of a 26-year-old man at a campsite at the festival.
The man was located at the campsite at around 7.30am on 31 December, and attempts by paramedics to resuscitate him were unsuccessful.
Police said a post mortem would be conducted to determine the cause of death.
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