Acclaimed US rapper Joey Bada$$, real name Jo-Vaughn Jalani Virginie, best known for singles like ‘Get Paid’, has been charged with assault after he allegedly punched a security guard in the face during the Byron Bay instalment of Falls Music & Arts Festival where he was performing.

According to ABC News, the 19-year-old artist was about to step on stage during the closing night of the annual summer festival on Friday, when he was stopped by a security guard who asked to check his credentials. Police allege the rapper punched the guard in the face and went on stage to perform.

The 20-year-old guard, whom paramedics treated for a broken nose and other facial injuries at the scene before he was taken to hospital, allegedly told police that he thought Virginie was an unauthorised person. The Brisbane Times reports, Virginie lashed out after he was challenged by the guard.

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The rapper was arrested by police after the show and was taken to Byron Bay police station where he spent the night in custody. He was charged with assault occasioning actual bodily harm and appeared in Lismore Local Court on Saturday and was granted bail. He was ordered to face court again on 19th March.

Virginie, who is currently promoting his debut studio album, B4.Da.$$, also made appearances at the Lorne and Marion Bay legs of Falls Festival, as well as Southbound in Western Australia and Sydney’s Field Day. He is slated to perform two sideshows with Run The Jewels later this week in Melbourne and Sydney.

The Byron Bay leg of Falls Festival was also the scene of tragedy, as reported last week, after 26-year-old Nathanial Guymer was found dead at the festival campsite in the North Byron Parklands. Guymer’s death has been met with outpours of grief and tributes from friends and family.

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