Trial set in Clementi case
The former Rutgers University student accused of spying on Tyler Clementi before the latter committed suicide turned down a plea deal last week.
Since Dharun Ravi rejected the agreement, which would have mandated a maximum sentence of no more than five years in prison, his case will proceed to trial, which Judge Glenn Berman set last Thursday for Feb. 21.
Ravi faces invasion-of-privacy and bias charges for his alleged role in using a webcam last fall to broadcast Clementi’s sexual encounter with another man on the Internet. Clementi later jumped to his death.
Also last week, Berman approved a defense request to reveal the name of the man with whom Clementi was engaged in the encounter.
Prosecutors have until Oct. 27 to appeal that ruling.
Berman additionally rejected a request from the defense to recuse himself from the case.
Defense attorney Steven Altman based his request on a recent New York Times piece on a new reality show that addresses Internet bullying. In the story, the show’s producer disclosed that she has a gay nephew and she is Berman’s cousin.
Night out in Fishtown
Kung Fu Necktie, 1250 N. Front St., will host a joint benefit for Mazzoni Center and anti-domestic violence agency Project Safe at 8 p.m. Oct. 29.
“Night of 1,000 Friends” will feature local musicians and DJs, including Go-Go’s tribute band and headliner Lust2Love — which includes two Mazzoni staffers — gay rapper DaQuan of Sgt. Sass, Lexi Starr, DJ Kit and performance artist Ethel Cee.
Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door or in advance at www.kungfunecktie.com or at 215-291-4919.
— Jen Colletta