Bebe Winans
Gospek singer Bebe Winans has been given the all clear on his domestic assault charge now that it has been dismissed after the star underwent counselling following a dispute with his ex-wife earlier this year.
Winans was arrested in March after a heated argument with Debra Winans over custody of their two children.
Debra told authorities her former spouse had pushed her to the ground during the February fight in Nashville, Tennessee.
Winans, 47, maintained his innocence throughout the case, but agreed to fulfil the prosecution's request to attend counselling sessions in exchange for having the misdemeanour charge dropped.
The case was thrown out by a judge last week after the singer's counsellor reported he did not need further treatment.
A statement released by Winans' publicists reads: "Judge Gloria Dumas of the General Sessions Court for Metropolitan Nashville-Davidson County signed an order on Friday, Dec. 4, 2009, dismissing all charges with prejudice. With this order, this domestic matter is over and cannot be reopened."
Winans is relieved his legal trouble has come to an end and he has vowed to use his experience to campaign on behalf of other men in similar custody situations.
He says, "This has been a trying year, beginning with the death of my father. Even though this allegation has affected not just me, but also the entire Winans family, my children and certain aspects of my career, I chose to stay quiet because I knew the truth. To be exonerated of all charges shows the power of trusting in God, and is a wonderful Christmas gift for me and my children.
"This situation has made me a changed man. But it has also helped me see that there needs to be legislation that protects the rights of fathers when it comes to the custody of their children.
"All men are not deadbeat dads, all men are not abusing women. And it's unfortunate that the legal system and society assume the worst before they hear the truth. My children are my first priority and I want and need to become the voice for the men around the world who are doing the RIGHT thing!"
Winans was temporarily banned from Oprah Winfrey's U.S. talk show last month after Debra criticised the media mogul for inviting him on the programme, while taking a public stand against Chris Brown over his assault on then-girlfriend Rihanna in February.