Image Credit: Bryan Bedder/Getty ImagesThe controversy over Erykah Badu’s “Window Seat” video has now reached the Dallas Police Department. A law enforcement officer tells the Music Mix that Badu may be charged with disorderly conduct for publicly removing all her clothes in Dallas’ Dealey Plaza during the music video shoot, confirming widespread reports. “It is something we are definitely considering,” says Sgt. Warren Mitchell.
For the police to charge the singer, a witness would need to come forward and provide a statement as to Badu’s public nudity. Sgt. Mitchell is unsure of whether this has happened yet, adding, “[The investigation is] kind of in the limbo stage right now.”
If the police do end up filing a disorderly conduct charge, the case would then go to the Dallas City Attorney’s office. City of Dallas spokesperson Frank Librio tells the Music Mix that it would then be up to the City Attorney’s discretion whether or not to prosecute Badu. If prosecuted for and convicted of disorderly conduct, which is classified as a class C misdemeanor, Badu would face a fine not to exceed $500.
A request for comment from Badu’s reps was not immediately returned. We’ll keep you posted on any further updates in this case.
UPDATE: Badu has been charged with disorderly conduct. She faces a fine of up to $500.
(Follow the Music Mix on Twitter: @EWMusicMix.)
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Erykah Badu’s naked “Window Seat” video: What do you think of the provocative clip?
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well shes still awesome, hope her message came through
Real criminals doing real harm to society are out there running free, and it’s Erykah Badu that they’re worrying about? Either that particular town must be incredibly crime-free, or the police department is shameful enough to use this as an excuse for publicity.
I have nothing against nudity but she did break the law. Just because she’s a celebrity does not give her the right to break the law to be artistic. Nothing wrong with her paying for the crime she committed. It’s not like the penalty is that severe. Pay the fine and be done with it. If she is not punished then what is to stop some fat nasty guy from doing the same? Now that would truly be a crime! Public nudity should only be a crime if the person doing it is fat and ugly.
It’s too bad public stupidity isn’t a crime – something tells me you’d be locked up for life.
I agree with all of this (except the last line) If this were anyone else, there would be no question about them paying the fine for public nudity. Erykah is a brilliant artist, but she’s not above the laws that the rest of us have to follow. She didn’t bother to get the permit, so why shouldn’t she have to handle the consequences?
The last line was only a joke.
someone has to come forth in order to do anything so until then its a great video
I see your point, but there is a reason why we have laws, even ones that seem ‘petty’.
Its an officer’s job to enforce and maintain laws, not decided when/where/how to enforce them.
And if you are going to make a statement that is against the law, I would hope you would be willing to pay the price for that and think about the consequences before acting on it.
This woman reminds me of an edgier version of Nina Simone. This woman is brilliant, creative and talented. I have been a fan of hers for a decade! Keep up the great music Ms Badu. Loooove ya!
Won’t it cost them more than $500 to fine her? Go arrest a murderer, robber, rapist, drug dealer, a drunk driver or something. You FAIL Dallas, Texas. YOU. FAIL!
Lamest argument ever. You probably spout this same argument off when you get pulled over for a ticket.
I love Ms Badu and the video, but she is not above the law. What’s a little slap on the wrist for good art, anyway?
Exactly. Badu is a very intelligent person, I am sure she knew the risks before doing this.
And, she is an amazing artist.
this is art… no question about that. i don’t see warning signs in art stores or museums that warn people of suggestive images and to protect their kids. It is just known. The way this video was done, it is obvious that was done with an artistic theme and message. The message was “evolving” as the shoot progressed.
do you need a permit? not sure why. You-Tube has hundreds of thousands of videos shot in public where people got personal gain from. Were streets blocked? no Was traffic stopped? no Was their any security/safety risk to the public? no What is the problem? She was in and out in under 10 minutes. When was the last time the elected republican officials did anything in under 10 minutes?
The problem is, it’s against the law.
For my next art project, I’m gonna steal money from a bank. If I do it as a protest for the banks that got a bailout, and I do interpretive dance while engaging in the act, then its artistic expression!
what happen to freedom of speech. we dont live in a perfect world so do what you do
It seems the police didn’t even know this had occurred until after the video came out and became “controversial”, so I doubt anyone complained.
I hit ‘post’ before I added…I’m sure someone will complain now.
She should pay just for the fact of all the free publicity she is going to get because of this.
This is all just drumming up publicity for her video, her music, her new album, and herself. Who’s losing from this controversy?
What about the people in the other music video that walk through NYCs Times Square and take their cloths off?!?!?! Don’t remember hearing about them getting fines. Just pay up Badu…..it’s only $500, you’ll be fine! LOVE the video! and LOVE me some Badu!!!
My only complaint is if a guy took his clothes off in public and was seen by children (you can see them in the video, one woman even grabs her child and covers her eyes). that guy would have had the police called on him and he would going to Court for a sex offense. Why does it have to be any different for her? because she’s a female? celebrity? I didn’t really care either way for the video but hate to see people get treated differently legally because of their race, gender, religion, etc… or popularity.
Exactly. The ridiculous double standard is amusing to me. She should be charged. I think she can afford it.
Oh yes, those black women really do reap the benefits of this prejudiced society we live in!
if they didnt like what was going on you say something then not after the fact. if she was hiding something she would have edit the video but thats her point. no one cares until when?? Dont complain now its too late.
The sad thing is that this $500 fine isn’t going to come close to covering the costs to the city of Dallas for all the work hours spent dealing with complaints, reports, answering questions to the media etc. I’m indifferent to the whole fiasco, but this is going to cost the city more than $500…
US History get real know one even knew about the Dealey Plaza/6th Floor Museum until it was aired on TV. So let’s not talk about disrepect and why is it 1,000 peope can get naked in New Yorks Time Square are a subway station and it’s not a problem but art. People get alife and let it go if she get’s the fine so what she’ll get more money because of the attention. So Eryka Badu Do You I’ll pay your fine
The saddest thing is the publicity she is getting from this. I am all for creativity – but she broke the law. Also – if you saw someone walking in front of the Holocaust Museum or in Arlington Cem. – would you be upset? They all are very important places in US history and should be treated with respect. As should Dealey Plaza/6th Floor Museum – which she obviously does not have regard enough to respect.
a hot black chick gets naked in public and thats a crime!? nothing makes sense anymore
The publicity Erykah has gotten out of this is worth way more than $500.