Trigger Warning: This story contains mentions of sex crimes against children.
Sidney Starr— a reality TV personality who has appeared on shows such as ‘Love & Hip Hop: New York,’ ‘Dollhouse’ and the ‘Baddies’ franchise— has been arrested and charged with aggravated child molestation, sodomy and sexual battery against a child under 16.
TMZ broke the news on Monday, one day after Sidney was arrested and taken to Fulton County Jail, where she was booked as a male. (Sidney is transgender and uses she/her pronouns.) She is currently still behind bars as of press time under her legal name, Sidney Favors.
According to TMZ, Sidney was picked up at the Embassy Suites hotel in Hapeville, Georgia, after allegedly confessing to performing oral sex on a minor at the hotel. Sidney claimed that the act was consensual; however, the victim was apparently under the age of 16. (Due to the age of the alleged victim, authorities have stated that no further details can be released at this time.)
After her arrest Sunday, Sidney delivered a very un-“Baddie” mugshot. She also delivered a statement to TMZ, denying that she committed the acts she’s charged with.
“[Sidney] says she ‘unequivocally denies the allegations against her and intends to vigorously defend herself through the legal process.'”
“Allegations should not be mistaken for fact, and public opinion should never replace due process,” Sidney said in the statement.
She added that she doesn’t want this case to reflect poorly on the transgender community.
“One person’s alleged actions should never be used to judge or stigmatize an entire group,” the site wrote of Sidney’s sentiments.
Sidney— who just hosted the ‘Bad Boys’ Reunion on Zeus Network on Sunday— also stated that she will not be commenting further on the case at this time.
View this post on Instagram
One person who was apparently shocked to see Sidney’s muggie and hear her charges was her mother, Stephanie Favors. Sidney’s mom told TMZ she was blindsided by her daughter’s arrest and, despite the charges, she is standing behind Sidney.
“Stephanie Favors tells us the allegations are completely out of character for Sidney … and she does not believe her daughter would engage in sexual activity with a minor,” the site reports.
Sidney’s rival, Joce Sparks — who is also transgender— took to social media on Monday to give her thoughts on the situation.
“Now you’re making me look bad, bitch,” Joce said during a Live. “And I didn’t do s**t. Girl, we’re just trying to open up doors but you’re closing them, bitch….you closing the doors, punk.”
Joce went on to talk about how cases like this reinforce negative stereotypes certain groups have about transgender people.
The Zeus Network— which streams the ‘Baddies’ franchise— released a statement on Monday following news of Sidney’s arrest.
“The Zeus Network is aware of the recent allegations circulating on social media involving Sidney Starr,” the statement reads. “As a matter of longstanding policy, The Zeus Network does not comment on pending legal matters involving current or former cast members.
“While these allegations remain subject to the appropriate legal process, The Zeus Network takes matters of this nature seriously and does not condone the conduct alleged in recent reports. Ms. Starr appears in previously produced programming that is currently airing on The Zeus Network. Her appearance in this content does not reflect a position or endorsement by the network regarding the allegations.
View this post on Instagram
“The Zeus Network remains committed to fostering a professional environment and producing programming that entertains audiences while operating with integrity, accountability, and respect for everyone involved.”
Sidney remains behind bars as of press time. She faces life in prison if convicted of the charges.
Stay tuned…
(Photos: Instagram; Fulton County Jail)
