R&B singer D'Angelo, who was once "the new Marvin Gaye", has pleaded not guilty after reportedly soliciting an undercover New York policewoman.
D'Angelo, real name Michael Archer, was allegedly "cruising alone" in New York's West Village, with more than $12,000 (£8,000) "stashed" in his car. Approaching an undercover police officer, he reportedly offered her $40 (£27) for oral sex. He was subsequently arrested and charged with solicitation.
"We know there is a lot of speculation in regard to the arrest of D'Angelo in New York City this past weekend," manager Lindsay Guion wrote on the artist's MySpace. "We would like his fans and the public at large to know that D'Angelo has pled not guilty and is contesting the allegations made against him. ... D'Angelo would [appreciate it] ... if all would allow the American justice system to resolve the matter before jumping to any conclusions."
Despite soundtracking 10 million love affairs, D'Angelo has been largely absent over the last decade, releasing his previous album in 2000. Following an alleged struggle with drugs, D'Angelo announced his comeback last year, promising collaborations with Mark Ronson, John Mayer and even Prince. A month later, his manager backtracked, calling those announcements premature. The album was still scheduled for summer 2009, but as for Ronson, Mayer and Prince, "nothing [had] been confirmed".
Hopes for D'Angelo's comeback were not buoyed by recent reports.
