Too Short Addresses Idaho Nightclub Arrest

'The incident that night was completely taken out of context,' rapper says of reports that he was socializing with underage females.

Last week, Too Short was arrested and charged with three counts of misdemeanor battery after a scuffle broke out between the star and his associate and club security at the Boise, Idaho, Knitting Factory. According to the Idaho Statesman, witnesses said the fight started after security informed the star that bringing underage women backstage and into his dressing room was prohibited. The MC was released from custody after posting bail.

Too Short (real name: Todd Anthony Shaw) recently spoke out about the incident and blasted reports that suggested he was inappropriately fraternizing with young women. "The accusations against me regarding my arrest in Idaho on July 15th were untrue and exaggerated," the rapper told XXL magazine in a statement. "Due to my work with young people in Oakland, I am extremely outraged at the way I am being portrayed. The incident that night was completely taken out of context, and I have not and never will take advantage of any woman that is underage."

The MC also said he wanted to maintain his status as a role model to his young fans. "I have been dedicated to youth organizations and wish to continue to support them," the statement continued. "I do not want my community and especially young people that look up to me to think that this is the type of thing that I would do."

Reps for Too Short did not respond to MTV News' request for comment at press time.

The Cali star is due in court August 4 and could face a $1,000 fine and up to six months in prison if convicted.