Singer Billy Idol Charged With Assault on Woman

Rock star Billy Idol was charged Tuesday with assault and battery for allegedly punching a woman in the face. The attack allegedly occurred Oct. 11 after Idol and a friend met two women at a West Hollywood restaurant, said Deputy Dist. Atty. Mark Vezzani.

The women offered to drive the men to their car after dinner, but during the drive, Idol, who was in the back seat, allegedly began shouting at Amber Nevel and hit her twice in the mouth and forehead.

Vezzani said that the singer’s large, silver rings cut the woman’s mouth, bruised her and gave her a slight concussion. Idol made a statement several days later to authorities about the incident, but it conflicts with that of the woman, Gibbons said, declining to provide further details. The 35-year-old singer, whose real name is William Michael Broad, is known for his spiky blond hairdo and snarling lip curl. His hits include “Rebel Yell,� “White Wedding� and “Cradle of Love.�