Eminem Pleads Guilty to Weapons Charge

M O U N T   C L E M E N S, Mich., Feb. 14, 2001 -- Rap superstar Eminem pleaded guiltytoday to carrying a concealed weapon, a charge stemming from analtercation outside a Macomb County bar, a prosecutor says.

In return for the plea, Macomb County assistant prosecutor DavidPortuesi said a charge of assault with a dangerous weapon wasdropped.

Carrying a concealed weapon is a five-year felony. Sentencing isscheduled for April 10.

Eminem, whose real name is Marshall Mathers III, was chargedfollowing a June 4 incident outside a Warren nightclub. Police sayEminem struck a man he says he saw kissing his wife, Kim.

'This Should Resolve the Matter'

Portuesi said he was satisfied with the plea.

"We thought it was a reasonable offer and apparently he did too.So this should resolve the matter," Portuesi said.

He said the rapper's sentence would be left up to the judge. Messages left with Eminem's attorneys were not immediatelyreturned today.

Eminem, who lives in Macomb County's Clinton Township, is amajor Grammy contender this year with an album-of-the-yearnomination for The Marshall Mathers LP and three nominations inrap categories. The album, which contains violent lyrics abouthomosexuals and women, sold 7.9 million copies in the United Stateslast year.

The rapper, also known as Slim Shady, is to perform a duet atthe Feb. 21 Grammy Awards with Elton John.

Eminem also faces charges in neighboring Oakland County ofcarrying a concealed weapon and brandishing a firearm in public.