DWTS Alum Mario Arrested for Allegedly Manhandling Mom

Singer-actor slapped with an assault charge after shoving his mom against a wall

By Josh Grossberg, Ashley Fultz Oct 01, 2010 5:55 PMTags
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If the accusations are true, this is definitely not one of Mario's greatest hits.

The R&B star and former Dancing With the Stars contestant was arrested early Friday morning after allegedly attacking his own mother, E! News has learned.

A spokesman for the Baltimore Police Department confirmed the 24-year-old crooner (full name Mario Barrett) was taken into custody around 12:50 a.m., after officers responded to a domestic violence call. He was hauled in to a nearby station and booked on a second-degree misdemeanor assault charge.

"It looks like it was between him and his mother," the spokesman said. "He allegedly shoved his mother against the wall, she hit her head, it looks like he then became verbally abusive. She feared for her safety, and police were contacted."

According to authorities, this is the second time in a week Mario has gotten physical with his mother, Shawntia Hardaway. He was also alleged to have shoved HER on Monday.

The entertainer—known for his stint on DWTS in 2008,  such hits as "Just a Friend 2002" and "Let Me Love You" and roles in Step Up and Freedom Writers—was released after posting $50,000 bail.

Back in 2005, Mario took time off from his career to help his mom kick a serious drug habit and get her into rehab, an experience chronicled in an MTV documentary. He also dedicated his third album, Go!  to her.

A hearing in the assault case is scheduled for Nov. 9.

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