After his arrest last Tuesday for an altercation in a restaurant, Cuban actor William Levy pleaded not guilty this Thursday to the two charges he faces in Broward County, Florida.
The popular heartthrob, known for his roles in soap operas and films, did not personally attend court, reported People en Español.
Instead, her attorney, Regina Tsombanakis, submitted the written statement on her behalf. Tsombanakis, who has extensive experience in high-profile cases, also requested a jury trial.
According to the court documents, Levy faces two charges. One for public intoxication and disturbances, causing disruptions in a public place. The second for trespassing.
These charges stem from an incident that occurred on Monday night at the Baires Grill restaurant, located in Weston, Florida.
According to the police report, the actor was found to be "highly intoxicated" and allegedly disobeyed the officers' orders not to return to the establishment, which resulted in his arrest.
The actor was released on Tuesday after paying a $500 bail, and , where he was captured by the media as he left the detention center. Smiling and friendly, Levy offered brief statements in which he joked about the "new friendships" he made in the jail cell, downplaying the incident to the press.
In an additional document, the defense requested that the prosecution provide the names and addresses of the witnesses, as well as any documentation or written or recorded statements from both Levy and the friend who was with him during the incident.
The actor, upon leaving jail denied having pushed anyone or refusing to pay the bill.
According to statements from the paparazzo Jordi Martín on the show El Gordo y la Flaca from Univision, Levy claimed that his friend argued with the restaurant staff over what he felt was an excessive bill.
He claims that he tried to calm the situation, but suddenly, the police arrived and arrested him, which makes him suspect that he may have been a victim of a "setup."
However, it was initially reported that the conflict began when the actor was socializing with other parents of his son's classmates at the restaurant. “William invited them to a round of drinks”, explained a close source cited by People en Español, but when it came time to pay the bill, he refused, which triggered the confrontation.
In a 911 call recorded by a restaurant employee, it was reported that Levy and his companion refused to pay the bill, even after receiving a discount, and that they were having an aggressive argument with another customer.
A preliminary hearing is expected to take place in the coming weeks, where more details about what happened may be presented. Meanwhile, the case continues to generate media attention due to the actor's prominence in the Latino community.
Frequently Asked Questions about William Levy's Arrest in Florida
Why was William Levy arrested?
William Levy was arrested on charges of public intoxication, disorderly conduct, and trespassing. The incident took place at the Baires Grill restaurant in Weston, Florida, where, according to reports, Levy was visibly intoxicated and causing a disturbance.
How did William Levy respond to the charges?
William Levy pleaded not guilty to the charges. His lawyer submitted a written statement on his behalf and requested a jury trial to address the allegations.
What was William Levy's version of the incident at the restaurant?
According to William Levy, the altercation began when he tried to mediate in a discussion between other customers at the restaurant. Levy denied having pushed anyone or refusing to pay the bill, and stated that he was detained while trying to calm the situation.
What was the public's reaction after William Levy's arrest?
The arrest of William Levy generated a wide variety of reactions on social media. Many of his followers expressed support and sympathy, using the hashtag #FreeWilly to show their backing for the actor, while others reacted with humor and comments regarding his legal situation.
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