Kevin Gates has been ordered to do time for the crime — aka that brutal kick he delivered to a female fan just over one year ago. As previously reported, on Aug. 31, 2015, the rapper was performing at Rumors Night Club in Lakeland, Florida. During his set, a young woman (caught on video) can be seen grabbing at Gates’ pants. The “2 Phones” recording artist reacted by drop kicking the young woman, Miranda Dixon, 18.
During an interview following the incident, Dixon told 10 News that the kick to her chest left her dazed, confused, and gasping for air — forcing her to seek medical treatment and notify authorities. Meanwhile, days later, the Louisiana native dropped a track, “The Truth,” regarding the incident, where he claimed he acted in self-defense. An opinion he echoed in a previous hearing, where the 30-year-old testified, “I kicked them, I wanted them off me,” he said, adding that the teen grabbed him so many times (in the genitals), he had no choice but to get physical.
To her credit, Dixon admitted to grabbing Gates, saying, “I was trying to get his attention for my friend.” During the trial her friend, Termeral Redding, also testified, and confessed she urged Dixon’s get Gates’ attention “because he is a famous rapper.” However, according to Redding, they were not alone. The entire front row was allegedly reaching for the rapper. Though Redding went on to claim that Gates continued to perform after Dixon initially grabbed him. She added that the second time, Gates “ran and kicked her [Dixon] with force, and her friend fell back into her.” At that point she said she went to get help for her friend, reports WFLA News 8.
Now, in a Polk County courtroom, six female jurors have signed off on Gates’ fate. According to TMZ, on Wednesday, Oct. 26, a judge sentenced Gates to 180 days in Polk County Jail, with credit for any time served, and fines and court costs.
