Tulisa Contostavlos arrives in court as her assault trial begins in Chelmsford
The singer is accused of punching a blogger in a “drunken and angry” state
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Tulisa Contostavlos has arrived at Chelmsford Magistrates Court to face assault charges.
Today is the first day of her trial, after the former X Factor judge was accused of punching celebrity blogger Savvas Morgan at V Festival in August last year.
The singer allegedly charged at him in a "drunken and angry state", before physically assaulting him.
She has denied the claims. Her PA, Gareth Varey, was accused of threatening behaviour, which he has also denied.
In February, she and Varey pleaded not guilty to the charges.
"Today [on Wednesday] at court Tulisa and Gareth entered pleas of not guilty to these allegations, and they both look forward to demonstrating their innocence at the forthcoming trial,” Jones said following their court appearance.
The trial is expected to end on Friday 24 May.