A singer from Georgia is facing accusations after allegedly slapping a woman during a live performance, resulting in her suffering two black eyes. An arrest warrant has been issued for the incident.
Sky Whatley, a soul singer, has been charged with simple battery after a video captured him striking a woman named Shamika Boyd while on stage at the Legendary Awards Show & Concert on September 6, as reported by 11Alive.
Although a warrant was issued for Whatley’s arrest earlier this week, he has not yet been apprehended, according to the news outlet.
Whatley, who has around 3,500 monthly listeners on Spotify, was performing at the Londzell Performing Arts Theatre in Tucker, Georgia, when he allegedly slapped Boyd without provocation.
“When he hit me, I felt devastated, thinking, ‘Why did he hit me? There was no reason for him to do that,’” Boyd shared with the outlet back in September.
She had attended the event to support her daughter, who is a DJ.
Boyd stated the slap was forceful enough to knock composite material from her tooth and resulted in two black eyes.
“I really don’t get why he would do that when I wasn’t bothering him at all. He posed no threat or anything,” she expressed regarding the unexpected attack.
Boyd also alleged that Whatley made an obscene gesture towards her and verbally insulted her after the incident.
“After he flipped me off, he said, ‘Eff you B, this is for the real men,’” Boyd recounted.
She reported the incident to the police following the concert, but actions were only initiated this week regarding the alleged assault.
Boyd’s attorney criticized law enforcement for their delayed response to the recorded incident.
“They’re not fulfilling their responsibilities,” said Boyd’s lawyer, Shannin Render. “With an active warrant, one would typically expect quicker action, especially given the public nature of this case. Unfortunately, Ms. Boyd informed me that they’ve decided not to arrest him immediately and will wait for him to turn himself in.”
Boyd is considering legal action against Whatley and is seeking compensation for medical expenses and possible lost income, according to Render.
“It’s unacceptable for anyone to go to an event and face assault, only to have to deal with medical bills, transportation costs, and the downtime from work,” Render emphasized. “We’re here to identify who is responsible and hold them accountable.”
