Anita Baker: Arrest Warrant Issued For Iconic Singer

Anita Baker is facing arrest for failing to appear at a scheduled court date. The iconic songstress is accused of refusing to pay for renovations to her home, which were completed in 2009. In April 2011, a Wayne County, Michigan, judge ordered Baker to pay Ray A. Smith Painting & Decorating $15,000 for the renovations. However, the singer-songwriter failed to comply.

In September 2013, Baker was ordered to appear before the Wayne County Circuit Court for a hearing with the plaintiff. The hearing, called a debtor’s examination, is a process of discovery. As Baker refused to pay the creditor, she was ordered to appear before the court and disclose her assets, which are subject to seizure or garnishment.

Although owing debt is not a criminal offense, defendants who fail to appear for a debtor’s examination are subject to arrest.

As reported by the Detroit Free Press, a bench warrant was issued for Anita Baker’s arrest when she failed to appear in the Wayne County Circuit Court. Attorney Dan Gerow, who represents the plaintiff, said he simply wants Baker to pay the debt.

A native of Toledo, Ohio, Anita Baker was raised by relatives in Detroit, Michigan. As a young woman, she displayed a unique talent for singing and songwriting. Although she began singing in church, she eventually joined a band called Chapter 8.

Anita was born to sing. However, she was heavily criticized by several colleagues. Their disparaging remarks nearly broke her spirit and prompted her to take a hiatus from singing and performing.

While working as a secretary in a legal firm, Baker was recruited by an executive with Beverly Glen Records. The company produced her first album, The Songstress, in 1983. The album eventually caught the attention of Elektra Records, who offered her a contact in 1985.

Anita Baker got her big break in 1986 with the release of her second album Rapture. The sings “Sweet Love” and “Caught Up in the Rapture” were instant hits. Her third album, Giving You the Best That I Got, saw similar success.

Throughout the 80s and 90s, the songstress won eight Grammy Awards. Her mellow and emotional style of music was specifically popular on the R&B and Adult Contemporary charts.

In the 1990s Baker suffered personal tragedy, as she has two miscarriages. Biography.com reports that she took some time off to grieve and focus on her own recovery. However, she eventually gave birth to two sons and returned to the music scene in 1994.

Although she remains strongly devoted to her family, Anita Baker has continued to sing and write songs. Her latest setback is certainly troubling but Baker has demonstrated a strong will. Her attorney is currently addressing the warrant for her arrest.

WHATTT??!!… sittin’ in the kitchen watching this on TV. BIG time crazy. Atty on his way to TV Station. Devil sho is busy.

— Anita Baker (@IAMANITABAKER) March 20, 2014

[Image via WME Entertainment]