Celebrity Justice
El Debarge in El Slammer!

El DebargeTMZ has learned R&B sensation El Debarge is currently cooling his dancing shoes in an L.A. County Jail, arrested on Sunday for domestic violence!

Rhymes With Snitch first broke the news of Debarge's arrest. El, whose real name is Eldra, scored major success in 1985 with the hit "Rhythm of the Night." His brother James was briefly married to Janet Jackson, but that marriage was annulled.

Debarge currently sits in a cell, without bail. Wear it well!

UPDATE: TMZ has learned that Debarge is being held on several outstanding warrants ranging from vandalism to drugs to driving with a suspended license. On these particular warrants, bail is not an option -- which means El Debarge will stay behind bars until he sees the judge.

Reader Comments

(Page 6 of 6) Previous 15 Comments

76. El needs a hug and a lot of love!!! There are three sides to every store. Side "A", side "B", and the truth which lies somewhere between the two points. I'm sure "time will reveal".

Posted at 10:24AM on Sep 1st 2007 by Caaramelbunny

77. Im so saddened by the DeBarge family at this time. First El gets arrested and now Chico!! Chico was arrested 8/30 in Van Nuys on a felony charge. I just pray that they are able to work out the negatives in their lives.

Posted at 2:31PM on Sep 3rd 2007 by I Love the DeBarges!!

78. That is really sad to see a guy with such a beautiful voice so troubled. I hope he and his brother Chico can get past their problems. Such a waste. I had no idea that he was having problems like this, but it is so common in the music industry.

Posted at 5:03PM on Sep 6th 2007 by Mo

79. Before we make a mock of El, let's keep in mind about the memories & enjoyment he & his family brought us for years. There's nothing funny about a black male going to jail. Especially, concerning the charges that he faces.

Please pray with all sincerity, for his mother & the entire family. Please keep in mind to encourage, not to discourage. Also please try to be very careful & kind about your comments, you never know, a family member could be reading.

Be Blessed

Posted at 4:25AM on Sep 9th 2007 by chacha

80. You!..Yeah YOU! who was hooking up on the floor with El helping you all out!!Remember??. Its a shame when Fame wrecks talent..the fickle fans like YOU are always the first to Go

Posted at 7:56AM on Sep 12th 2007 by madasheck

81. Remember DeBarge fans this site is mostly "All-American" (white)!!! They don't care about Black talent...they only care about All-American cuties like Paris, Nicole, Britney, and Lindsey! El DeBarge has more talent in his pinky than the sum total of the aforementioned sluts combined! We've all got problems!

Posted at 12:25AM on Sep 16th 2007 by sajawebb

82. well you guys get this right, read the damn article and realize that he was not ever married to janet , his brother james was, jeez

Posted at 3:53PM on Sep 15th 2007 by diana

83. Why are you all hating on El he has more money and talent then you all can shake a stick at

Posted at 7:35PM on Sep 15th 2007 by Latrice

84. Latrice...while I love El and his talents...I don't think he can come up with bail to get out of jail.

Posted at 12:31AM on Sep 16th 2007 by sajawebb

85. It's unfortunate that the majority of these posts are in a negative fashion. It is apparant that he is not making appropriate choices due to his drug use. Let's pray for the brother, for a speedy return to society and back to his recording. I actually wrote him a letter to wish him well and am awaiting a response. What goes down, must come up.

Posted at 8:03PM on Sep 29th 2007 by GreensboroDude

86. Its sad he cant get out, bc he has a bail of 20 grand. An I went on the cite of the jail that he is at, he only has to pay 10 percent. thats 2 grand, I mean his brothers an sister should be able to come up with the money right. I feel sorry for the guy, for everyone who is a fan, why dont we raise the money an get El out. The guy needs help, an being in jail isnt helping him. We need to get El out an Im serious.

Posted at 10:04PM on Sep 30th 2007 by Kim

87. Yeah, I decided to write him also, give him words of encouragement, even though what he did was wrong, he doesnt need to be in that crummy jail.

Posted at 10:51PM on Sep 30th 2007 by kim

88. I hope El has gotten out of jail by now. Supposedly he is working with Babyface on a comeback album, but only TIME WILL REVEAL. From 1982-1994, El was a major player in the RB world. but after being dropped from his label in 1995 and dealing with the AIDS related death of his mentor and older brother Bobby, this legendary Prince of Soul has not been able to find his way back in the HEART MIND AND SOUL of his adoring public. El enjoyed 12 years of Fame and hit records, but the only hits he's had in the last 13 years have been Infamous hits in the press. White rock and roll stars can get away with scandals involving SEX , DRUGS, WIFE ABUSE, but rarely can Black stars. It remains to be seen if El will ever make a comeback.

Posted at 2:38PM on Nov 5th 2007 by LDW

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