Rapper Mystikal pleads guilty in rape case after last-minute courtroom twist

US rapper Mystikal has pleaded guilty to third-degree rape in a case linked to his 2022 arrest, making a last-minute courtroom move just weeks before trial.

The 55-year-old musician, whose real name is Michael Tyler, entered the plea on Tuesday at a state court outside Baton Rouge, Louisiana, according to local media reports.

The development comes ahead of a trial that had been scheduled for 30 March, marking a significant shift in the case at a critical stage.

Why Mystikal changed his plea before trial

Tyler had originally pleaded not guilty to a series of more serious charges, including first-degree rape, simple robbery, domestic abuse battery and false imprisonment.

His latest plea to a lesser charge is understood to be part of a deal that reduced the overall severity of the case.

If convicted on the original charges, he would have faced mandatory life imprisonment. He now faces a potential sentence of up to 20 years in prison, with sentencing tentatively set for June.

What the 2022 case involved

The case centres on allegations from a woman who told investigators Tyler raped, beat and choked her.

She also alleged he took her phone and car keys to prevent her from leaving and forced her to transfer money to him via Cash App.

The plea was entered shortly before the case was due to go to trial, bringing a major legal battle closer to resolution.

A career overshadowed by legal issues

Mystikal rose to global fame in 2000 with his hit single ‘Shake Ya Ass’ and later earned two Grammy nominations. He also had an album debut at number one on the Billboard 200.

However, his career has been repeatedly overshadowed by legal trouble.

In 2004, he was sentenced to six years in prison after being convicted of sexual assault and extortion in a case involving his hairstylist. That conviction required him to register as a sex offender.

He was jailed again in 2012 for three months following a domestic abuse case. In 2017, he faced rape and kidnapping charges, though those were later dropped.

What happens next

With sentencing expected in June, the court will now determine how long Tyler will serve under the reduced charge.

The case continues to draw attention as it moves towards its final stage, adding another chapter to the rapper’s long and controversial legal history.