Rapper Z-Ro makes first court appearance on assault charge

HOUSTON, Texas (KTRK) -- Houston rapper Z-Ro has been arrested and charged with the assault of his then-girlfriend, rapper Brittany Bullock, who goes by "Just Brittany."

Court documents allege that Z-Ro, whose real name is Joseph McVey, slapped, punched, dragged and choked Bullock while holding a pistol.

McVey appeared in court Thursday morning. The judge ruled, he must have no contact with Bullock. McVey's attorney, Chris Adams, said Bullock continues to reach out to McVey. Adams said the two even appeared on a radio show together shortly after the alleged assault.

The alleged assault happened in April in McVey's Katy home, but was just reported this past weekend.

During the attack, Bullock told police she got sick from the beating, so went to the bathroom to throw up, then started recording video on her cell phone. When she returned to McVey, the hidden phone continued recording for nearly 21 minutes.

Deputies viewed the video and allege McVey can be heard slapping Bullock and saying, "You're dead." Bullock can be heard crying and begging McVey to stop.

The fight was supposedly over canceled dinner plans.

Z-Ro tweeted early Thursday to encourage fans to buy his latest album but didn't specifically reference the charges he's facing. He tweeted "In other news, if you haven't gotten my latest album..."

On January 19, Mayor Sylvester Turner proclaimed the day "Z-Ro Day" in Houston. He tweeted four photographs of the proclamation ceremony, writing "Today, I had the distinct honor of presenting @zromocitydon [McVey] with a proclamation for the work he is doing to build up our #communities."

ABC 13 reached out to Mayor Turner regarding the recent charges. He sent Eyewitness News a statement saying:

"I cannot speak to recent allegations, but the reason the City of Houston recognized Z-Ro in January is because of the work he has done in the community. He has been a part of various back to school fairs, created an annual basketball tournament with our teens and participated in Constable Rosen's Teen Summit. We all make mistakes, but, at this point, he has the right to due process, and I am hopeful that regardless of the outcome he will grow from this experience."

Statement released by Just Brittany's legal counsel:

"No man should ever put his hands on a woman. And, it is not proper to remain silent after being abused. Just Brittany does not intend to litigate this matter in the media nor on social media. She has retained legal counsel to represent her interest, and has made no attempt to contact either the media about this matter, nor anyone involved in causing her injuries. Any further comments about this matter should be directed to the attention of her counsel."

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