LOS ANGELES (AP) — A woman from Florida, Ivanna Lisette Ortiz, has pleaded not guilty to attempted murder charges against singer Rihanna. Ortiz, 35, appeared in court, where her lawyer submitted the plea on her behalf. In addition to the attempted murder charge, she faces over a dozen other felonies following an incident at Rihanna’s Beverly Hills home on March 8.
Prosecutors allege Ortiz fired about 20 bullets from an AR-15 style rifle, targeting Rihanna’s residence while the singer, her partner A$AP Rocky, and their children were inside. Ortiz has been charged with ten counts of assault and three counts of shooting at occupied dwellings. If convicted on all counts, she could face life in prison.
During the hearing, Ortiz, dressed in yellow jail clothing, spoke briefly to agree to waive her right to a speedy preliminary hearing. Her attorney requested a bail reduction from $1.9 million to $70,000, citing financial constraints, but the judge denied the request, citing Ortiz as a potential flight risk.
The Deputy District Attorney, Alexander Bott, described the event as dangerous and deliberate, emphasizing the potential for multiple casualties. When Ortiz was apprehended hours later, she was found in her car with the rifle, additional ammunition, and a wig, which she allegedly planned to use as a disguise.
Ortiz has been a licensed speech pathologist for over a decade, but the judge ruled she should be barred from practicing in California during this legal battle. Social media activity leading up to the incident is also under investigation by prosecutors.
Interestingly, Ortiz’s case raises questions about celebrity safety, a topic gaining attention recently. In a survey conducted by The Hollywood Reporter in 2022, nearly 70% of celebrities expressed concerns over their safety, particularly regarding potential threats from fans or the public.
Rihanna, a nine-time Grammy winner with 14 No. 1 hits, is not only famous for her music but also for her Fenty Beauty brand, launched in 2017. Recently, she welcomed her third child with A$AP Rocky, adding a personal layer of gravity to this violent incident at their home.
While the case continues to unfold, the community’s reaction has been visible, with numerous discussions on social media platforms reflecting fears about celebrity safety and the consequences of violence. Many fans have voiced their support for Rihanna and her family during this distressing time.
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Rihanna, Crime, Ivanna Lisette Ortiz, General news, Assault, Los Angeles, Indictments, Orlando, Florida, FL State Wire, California, Theresa McGonigle, Shootings, U.S. news, Alexander Bott, Derek Ray Dillman, Courts, ASAP Rocky, Arts and entertainment, U.S. News
