The Cuban reggaeton artist Ovidio Crespo, widely known as Ovi, appeared in the Miami-Dade criminal court this Wednesday following his arrest the previous day in Miami on charges of possession of controlled substances, verbal assault with a firearm, and displaying a firearm in public. Ovi faced Judge Mindy Glazer, who set his bail at $6,500 and issued a restraining order against Venezuelan model Giussepe Benignini, whom Ovi allegedly pointed a gun at while driving in Miami.
During the hearing, the Cuban artist shook his head in denial of the allegations related to the firearm threat and appeared very attentive to the judge's warning. Judge Glazer emphasized that if he is arrested again, he will have to await trial in jail. The singer was arrested on Tuesday, September 17, in Miami after Giussepe Benignini reported him for pointing a gun at him while driving in Miami.
"I was driving and saw a car, a McLaren, cut me off. I honked because it almost hit me, and when I honked, the driver stopped and pulled out a gun. [...] I thought he was going to shoot me," the young man recounted.
A video of the Cuban reggaeton artist's arrest is circulating on social media. This incident adds to a series of similar events involving the Cuban singer in recent years in the United States, where he has been arrested multiple times. In 2021, he had an altercation with another artist and also displayed a firearm in public.
Ovi's Legal Troubles
Here are some frequently asked questions about Ovi's recent legal issues and the implications of his actions.
What charges is Ovi facing?
Ovi is facing charges of possession of controlled substances, verbal assault with a firearm, and displaying a firearm in public.
What was the outcome of Ovi's court appearance?
Judge Mindy Glazer set Ovi's bail at $6,500 and issued a restraining order against Giussepe Benignini. She also warned him that any future arrests would result in awaiting trial in jail.
Has Ovi been involved in similar incidents before?
Yes, Ovi has been arrested multiple times in the United States for similar incidents, including a 2021 altercation with another artist where he also displayed a firearm in public.