American Idol 5: News
Brittenum Idol Twins - Charges Dropped
Report by Ron Lemon
January 23, 2004
Back on the 19th we ran a story about the Brittenum twins who got their ticket to Hollywood back in September. After the audition was shown on TV we found out they had serious legal problems.
You can read the story below...but if you are familiar with it already just scroll down to "Charges Dropped".
It's started already. Remember the twins? Afro-American males Terrell and Derrell Bittenum of Memphis Tennessee? The clean shaven pair that did not hold Paula's hand as they sang? They auditioned together and they both got their gold tickets to Hollywood. It looks like neither will make the trip.
Terrell is in jail. He's been there since January 10th; he is being held on a warrant for charges stemming from the illegal purchase of a car in Georgia. He and his twin brother Derrell allegedly used someone else's identity to buy a 2005 Dodge Magnum last June. The charges include Forgery, Theft by Deception, and Financial Identity Fraud. Derrell is expected to turn himself in. But reportedly has not done so yet.
The audition we saw Tuesday night took place last September. It is a little surprising that FOX aired the segment. Perhaps, once again, they had no idea of their contestants past. FOX has refused to comment.
Charges Dropped
Derrell did turn himself in to Georgia authorities on Friday. He spent the weekend in a Rockdale County, Georgia jail.
They both have previous arrest records. Terrell for a traffic violation and a charge of disorderly conduct for which he paid a $50 fine. Derrell was arrested in 1998 for theft over $500 and again in 2000 for contempt of court and passing bad checks, according to court records.
But their attorney has maintained that they are innocent of the latest charges involving the fraudulent purchase of an automobile. Atlanta-based lawyer, LaTisha Dear released a statement saying “At this point and time, Derrell and Terrell Brittenum are innocent of all charges”. “We are investigating the case and anticipate a swift release."
The statement went on to say “Derrell and Terrell Brittenum are not hard core criminals. They are individuals that give back to their community by mentoring to the youth in their neighborhood, working with their Youth Outreach Ministries, Senior Citizens and local neighborhood cleanup efforts.”
It quotes Derrel as saying “All we really want to do is make great music. We know that in the end we will be exonerated of all charges and continue our mission to make great music.”
This morning FOX News reported that the twins have been cleared of all charges and will be heading to Hollywood. Apparently they had disclosed to American Idol producers the criminal history for which they had been convicted. And now that they are cleared of the latest charges they will be allowed to continue on.
We don't yet know the details of how or why they were cleared and the charges dropped. We'll report it when they do. This story is over. It remains to be seen how far they will be allowed to continue when they go to Hollywood where who continues and who goes home will initially be up to the judges and the producers.
Ron Lemon is the very opinionated, but not-always-right, editor of Reality TV Calendar. He is a United States Air Force veteran, a Pennsylvania Army National Guard veteran and retired from the Pennsylvania Department of Corrections. He lives on the southern shore of Canada with his fiancee and business partner Christine and their spoiled dog, Stash. He, Ron - not the dog, does this because he enjoys it, he hates alarm clocks, and it is better than getting up and going to work everyday. Until such time as he wins the lottery he can be reached at: Editor@RealityTVCalendar.com.
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