Following an altercation at a restaurant that led to his arrest last Tuesday, Cuban actor William Levy has pleaded not guilty to the two charges he faces in Broward County, Florida. Renowned for his roles in telenovelas and films, the popular actor did not appear in court personally, as reported by People en Español.
Instead, his attorney, Regina Tsombanakis, filed the written plea on his behalf. Tsombanakis, who has substantial experience in high-profile cases, also requested a jury trial. According to court documents, Levy faces two charges: one for public drunkenness and disorderly conduct, disrupting a public place, and another for trespassing.
The charges stem from an incident that occurred on Monday night at Baires Grill, a restaurant located in Weston, Florida. The police report indicated that Levy was "highly intoxicated" and ignored officers' orders not to return to the establishment, which led to his arrest.
After posting a $500 bond, the actor was released on Tuesday and returned home the following day, where he was photographed by the media leaving the detention center. Smiling and courteous, Levy made brief remarks, joking about the "new friendships" he made while in custody, downplaying the incident to the press.
In an additional document, the defense requested that the prosecution provide the names and addresses of witnesses, as well as any documentation or statements, either written or recorded, from Levy and the friend who was with him during the incident.
Upon leaving jail, the actor denied pushing anyone or refusing to pay the bill. According to paparazzo Jordi Martín on Univision's El Gordo y la Flaca, Levy stated that his friend argued with the restaurant staff, claiming the bill was too high. He maintains that he attempted to defuse the situation, but suddenly, the police arrived and arrested him, leading him to suspect that he might have been "set up."
Initially, it was reported that the conflict began while the actor was socializing with other parents of his son's classmates at the restaurant. “William offered them a round of drinks,” a source close to Levy told People en Español. However, when it came time to settle the bill, he allegedly refused to pay, sparking the confrontation.
A 911 call recorded by a restaurant employee reported that Levy and his companion refused to pay even after receiving a discount, and were engaged in a heated argument with another customer. A preliminary hearing is expected to take place in the coming weeks, which could reveal further details about the incident. Meanwhile, the case continues to capture media attention due to the actor's prominence in the Latino community.
FAQs About the William Levy Incident
What charges is William Levy facing?
William Levy is facing charges of public drunkenness and disorderly conduct, as well as trespassing, following an incident at a restaurant in Weston, Florida.
Did William Levy personally attend his court hearing?
No, William Levy did not personally attend his court hearing. His attorney, Regina Tsombanakis, submitted a written plea of not guilty on his behalf.
What did William Levy say about the incident?
William Levy denied pushing anyone or refusing to pay the bill. He suggested that he might have been set up, as the police arrived unexpectedly and arrested him.