June 27, 2003 13:14

STAR AND COHORTS ON SEX RAP

The Grammy-nominated Deep South hip-hopper gets probation for an incident last July involving his hairstylist and two bodyguards...

MYSTIKAL admitted yesterday (June 26) that he forced his hairstylist to perform sex acts on him and his two bodyguards.

The Grammy-nominated rapper - real name Michael Tyler - pleaded guilty to a sexual battery charge and extortion in a Louisiana courtroom.

Tyler was sentenced to five year's probation for extortion and will be sentenced on September 25 for the other charge.

Prosecutor Sue Bernie said the incident happened in Tyler's Baton Rouge apartment in July last year, and told the BBC that it also involved the rapper's bodyguards, Leland 'Pokie' Ellis, and Vercy 'V' Carter.

David Bourland, Tyler's attorney, said that his client did not agree with all the allegations, but agreed that sexual battery took place. If he had not pleaded guilty, Tyler could have faced charges on aggravated rape which carries a maximum sentence of lifetime imprisonment.

Ellis and Carter also pleaded guilty to sexual battery and will be sentenced with Mystikal.

'Tarantula,' Mystikal 's latest album was nominated for a best rap album Grammy in January.