Gospel singer BeBe Winans not guilty of assault: Winans exonerated of domestic violence charges

Photo of BeBe Winans from press kit

BeBe Winans Exonerated of Domestic Violence Charges

Most Nashvillians have heard that gospel singer BeBe Winans was accused of shoving his ex-wife to the ground during an argument and charged with domestic violence charges on February 13, 2009. (See Who are BeBe & CeCe Winans?) He was then arrested on March 11, 2009 on a misdemeanor domestic assault charge and was briefly held at the Davidson County jail. However, on Friday, December 4, Winans was exonerated of all charges of domestic violence charges stemming from allegations that he assaulted his ex-wife Debra Winans. Judge Gloria Dumas of the General Sessions Court for Metropolitan Nashville-Davidson County dismissed all charges with prejudice. This order permanently closes this domestic matter.

2009 A Trying Year for BeBe Winans

The charges have made 2009 a rough year for Winans. Following the assault charges and the ongoing media frenzy,  the Associated Press announced in November BeBe Winans would not appear on the "Oprah Winfrey Show" until his domestic assault charges were resolved.

“This has been a trying year, beginning with the death of my father, “ says Winans. “Even though this allegation has affected not just me, but also the entire Winans family, my children and certain aspects of my career, I chose to stay quiet because I knew the truth. To be exonerated of all charges shows the power of trusting in God, and is a wonderful Christmas gift for me and my children.”

In spite of his wife's false accusations and Oprah's ban, 2009 was not all bad for Winans, however. He and his sister CeCe Winans released Still, their 1st album together in 15 years in October.

Winans to Fight for Fathers

Winans maintained his innocence all along, refusing to fight his battle in the media, and waiting for justice to prevail. However, his custody battle and the subsequent allegations have had a profound effect on Winans. Now Bebe Winans wants to fight for the father or the man who may be going through the same struggle.

“This situation has made me a changed man,” says Winans. “But it has also helped me see that there needs to be legislation that protects the rights of fathers when it comes to the custody of their children. All men are not deadbeat Dads, all men are not abusing women. And it’s unfortunate that the legal system and society assume the worst before they hear the truth. My children are my first priority and I want and need to become the voice for the men around the world who are doing the RIGHT thing!”