BARBOUR PLEADS ‘NOT GUILTY’ TO CHILD SEX CLAIMS
Broadway star JAMES BARBOUR has pleaded not guilty to charges he sexually abused a 15-year-old girl.
The 40-year-old actor, who played the Beast in musical BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, denies the five counts of criminal sex acts and sexual abuse against the teenager dating back to 2001.
According to the prosecution, Barbour assaulted the teen on three separate occasions, including one incident which occurred in the actor’s apartment although Barbour is adamant the relationship was fully consensual.
A statement by Barbour regarding one of the alleged incidents reads: "We did kiss, and then she (the plaintiff) originated again about sexual intercourse.
"At that time I sort of freaked out, said she was 16, and that I couldn’t do this.
"The relationship stopped suddenly because I thought it was inappropriate and could get dangerous." Barbour was ordered to surrender his passport and will appear in court later this month (20DEC06).
The actor is also accused of sexual abuse of an underage girl in a separate case filed in California.
Movie & Entertainment News provided by World Entertainment News Network (www.wenn.com)
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