TMZ predictably obtained the details on the arrest of American Idol Top 24 contestant, Cecil Ray. If a Top 24 contestant back in the heyday of American Idol got arrested after their elimination, it would have been all over the news within hours. But TMZ took its sweet old time posting about it. And still, nobody outside of the American Idol bubble seems to care about it.
Anyway, TMZ answers a bunch of questions around Cecil’s arrest. His girlfriend had accused him of abusing her, and claimed to have filed a restraining order against him. But Cecil’s police charges were for burglary. Here’s what went down, according to TMZ:
“American Idol” contestant Cecil Ray forced his way into the home of his ex-girlfriend and struck her in the face when she refused to let him see the child he believes is his … according to police in Texas.
A Rockdale PD officer says he got a call to a residence last week where Cecil — full name Cecil Ray Baker — allegedly entered the home of his ex, Mariah Lopez, and assaulted her.
According to the affidavit obtained by TMZ … Lopez claims she wouldn’t let Baker in, so he went to a locked back door and ripped it open to gain entry. She told police he then pushed her to the floor and “struck her in the face with a palm heel” before leaving.
Baker’s sister told cops she witnessed the incident, and she claims he went to Lopez’s place to see her daughter who he believes is his. According to cops, the sister mostly corroborated Lopez’s version of events.
Police say they then tried to track down Baker, and learned that he had relocated to a nearby town. He was arrested a few days later on April 17 and booked for burglary of habitation, a second-degree felony in Texas.
Baker was released the same day on $15,000 bond.
So yes, he hit her after he broke into her house (the burglary part). But isn’t it odd that domestic abuse isn’t part of the charges? Still, sad all around. American Idol handed Cecil a huge opportunity, and then he immediately blew it. Hopefully he gets the help that he needs.
Read more about Cecil’s arrest and watch his girlfriend’s Tik Tok where she accuses him of domestic abuse and cheating on her HERE.
