The musician turned reality television star, who famously
rapped that “anything less than the best is a felony” in his
1990s hit song “Ice Ice Baby” was charged with burglary of an
unoccupied residence and grand theft, both felonies.
The rapper, whose real name is Robert Van Winkle, allegedly
stole furniture, a pool heater and other items from a neighbor's
home, the Lantana Police Department said in a news release on
Wednesday, after finding several items that were reported
missing in recent months in Van Winkle's home.
The rapper's home currently is under construction and also is
the site of his latest venture, a reality TV show for the DIY
Network called “The Vanilla Ice Project."
Van Winkle, 47, was released from jail on a $6,000 bond
Wednesday night. He told reporters that the situation was
“overblown.”
“I wish you guys would focus on the good things I’ve done,” he
told the WPTV news station.
It was not immediately clear if Van Winkle had hired an
attorney.
Police said the items included two bicycles, a $3,000 pool
heater, art and a $1,000 sofa.
Lantana Police did not immediately respond to a request for
comment on Thursday about Van Winkle's claim that the charges
resulted from a misunderstanding.
The rapper met with investigators and offered a sworn statement
before he was taken into custody, police said.
(Editing by Letitia Stein and Bill Trott)
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