Los Angeles audiences saw a little more of R&B singer K-Ci than expected last Saturday night at the Shrine Auditorium during radio station KIIS-FM's Jingle Ball holiday bash. The singer, born Cedric Hailey, and one half of K-Ci and JoJo, briefly dropped his boxer shorts during the opening number of the concert.

Many in the audience of 4,000 roared their approval as the singer allegedly exposed his genitals, but some parents who accompanied their children to the show immediately left, calling police on their cell phones to report the incident. Officers were summoned to the scene, but were told that the singer had left the venue immediately after his set, rather than meeting with press, as had been arranged. Police filed out a crime report for lewd conduct and said that the matter is under investigation.

According to a LAPD spokesperson, the department is investigating the accusations of indecent exposure but would not elaborate, adding that the police department had received a dozen complaints about the incident and that detectives were pursuing the case, though no warrant has been issued as yet. "There was a videotape of the incident, and detectives are currently attempting to get a copy," said Joe Buscaino of the LAPD.

Another LAPD source, Officer Danielle Lee, said, "We are still investigating the matter, and will not have any information about charges until tomorrow. We have not had any contact with Hailey yet."

Two city fire inspectors attending the concert told the Los Angeles Times that they witnessed about 150 people rush into the auditorium lobby during K-Ci's and JoJo's performance. "Many of the parents were upset," said Fire Department spokesman Brian Humphreys. "Luckily no one was hurt, and the concert continued."

"It wasn't called for, and the appropriate action was taken -- that's all I'm going to say," said KIIS-FM general manager Roy Laughlin. "We don't condone such behavior."

JAAN UHELSZKI
(December 20, 2000)