SHARPTON, HSAN TO MARCH AGAINST TONY YAYO: Plus, 50 says he wasn’t present during rapper’s alleged assault against teen.
     (Akiit.com) Al Sharpton, the Hip Hop Summit Action Network’s Russell Simmons and Dr. Benjamin Chavis, and other community and religious leaders are planning a march to protest the alleged actions of G-Unit rapper Tony Yayo.
     Billed as a “call to action and public grievance,†the rally is planned for Monday as a response to the artist’s alleged assault on the 14-year-old son of hip hop rival Jimmy “Henchman” Rosemond, head of Czar Entertainment.
     Yayo, whose real name is Marvin Bernard, pleaded not guilty on Sunday to misdemeanor charges of harassment and endangering the welfare of a child. He is accused of repeatedly pushing and smacking James Rosemond and causing injury to his ear and face.
     The boy’s mother, Cynthia Reed, has already released a statement condemning the alleged assault, and will reportedly participate in the demonstration, as will Czar Entertainment.
     “We are involved to try to help mediate this problem,†says Dr. Chavis, President/CEO of HSAN. “In truth, every child in our community is precious. The theme of the Hip-Hop Summit is taking back responsibility.
     “With artistic freedom comes responsibility. Therefore anytime a child in our community is harmed it is of great concern to us.  We are hoping and praying that this matter can be resolved peacefully and resolutely. At the end of the day the interest of our children will be better served.â€
     Meanwhile, 50 Cent’s lawyer has released a statement claiming the G-Unit general was not present during Yayo’s alleged attack on the 14-year-old, despite reports to the contrary.
     “We are conducting our own investigation to determine exactly what happened,” said 50’s lawyer, Benjamin Brafman. “One thing I can say with absolute certainty, however, is that at the time of the alleged incident, 50 Cent was not in New York State.”
     Brafman says he may file a defamation lawsuit against Reed unless she retracts her public statement and issues a formal apology.