50’s Big Break

Rapper 50 Cent has dodged a bullet on three charges of assault stemming from an incident at a concert in Springfield, Mass., last year, providing he complies with a judge’s conditions.

Springfield District Court Judge Robert Kumor said May 13th that the charges against 50 Cent, whose real name is Curtis Jackson, will be dropped providing he stay drug free and out of trouble for two years. If not, there will be jail time.

During a surprise concert at The Hippodrome last May, the multiplatinum artist performed for about 10 minutes before someone in the crowd of about 1,400 threw water at him from a bottle or cup.

Jackson jumped into the crowd, followed by his entourage of about 15-20 people, including bodyguards. In the resulting chaos, three women were injured. Two said Jackson kicked and trampled them and the third said he punched her in the face.

The rapper acknowledged the facts were sufficient for a guilty finding. He was charged with three counts of assault and battery.

Jackson must also undergo anger management counseling and random drug testing, pay the three women’s medical expenses, produce an anti-violence public service announcement and avoid carrying a gun in Massachusetts.