Keke Wyatt is pushing back against reports surrounding her recent arrest in Georgia.
The R&B singer was booked into the Henry County Jail on Sept. 20 under her legal name, Ketara Wyatt Darring. She was released two days later after posting a $1,050 bond.
Initial reports said Wyatt was booked on several charges following an alleged confrontation. Those included terroristic threats, assault and third-degree cruelty to children. However, Wyatt’s representatives now say those reports do not reflect the case currently before the court.
“Contrary to information currently being circulated, the Henry County court documentation reflects one charge: simple assault,” her representatives said.
Her team specifically denied that Wyatt was charged with cruelty to children, terroristic threats and acts or aggravated assault. The statement comes as public booking information appears to conflict with the account provided by Wyatt’s representatives.
CBS News Atlanta reported that Henry County booking information listed aggravated assault and terroristic threats and acts. The entry also listed third-degree cruelty to children as a misdemeanor.
Wyatt’s team disputes child cruelty reports
Wyatt’s representatives expressed particular concern about reports involving children.
“We are not offering excuses or asking anyone to prejudge the circumstances surrounding the case,” the statement said.
Her team said Wyatt plans to address the matter through the appropriate legal process. The child cruelty designation reported in the booking information does not necessarily allege that Wyatt physically harmed a child.
The booking entry reportedly identified the allegation as third-degree cruelty to children involving a witness. Georgia law can apply that provision when a child witnesses or hears certain alleged acts of violence.
New details about the alleged confrontation also emerged after Wyatt’s statement was released. An arrest warrant affidavit reportedly claims the incident occurred during a child custody exchange on Sept. 20.
A witness alleged Wyatt displayed a black 9mm Beretta during an argument and threatened another woman, according to reports. Three children were reportedly nearby during the confrontation.
Wyatt reportedly acknowledged having the firearm when speaking with authorities. However, she denied pointing it through a vehicle window or threatening anyone.
The allegations contained in the warrant have not been proven in court.
Conflicting records leave questions about case
The case now carries two conflicting descriptions of the charges connected to Wyatt’s arrest. A Henry County booking entry reportedly lists aggravated assault, terroristic threats and acts and third-degree cruelty to children.
Meanwhile, Wyatt’s representatives maintain court documentation reflects only a simple assault charge. The team has not publicly explained whether the initial allegations were changed, reduced or declined after Wyatt’s booking.
Wyatt, 44, rose to prominence through her collaborations with fellow R&B singer Avant. Their recordings included “My First Love” and “Nothing in This World.” Both appeared on Wyatt’s debut album, “Soul Sista.”
She later expanded her career into reality television. Wyatt appeared on all three seasons of TV One’s “R&B Divas: Atlanta.” She later starred in “Keke Wyatt’s World,” which followed her career and family life.
Despite the ongoing legal matter, Wyatt’s representatives said her scheduled performances remain unchanged. Her team said she intends to fulfill her existing professional commitments while the case moves through the legal system.