Mario Cites Mother's Drug Addiction as Basis for Assault Arrest

Late last week, R&B singer Mario was arrested for assault against his mother.

With his client free on bail, the artist's attorney spoke on the incident over the weekend and acknowledged that a confrontation took place. But he cited the drug history of Mario's mom (Shawntia Hardaway) as its basis.

"Anyone who has waged the battle to save loved ones from the forces of drugs knows the irrational behavior that almost always accompanies their actions," said Hassan Murphy. "Despite the allegations, Mario remains committed to supporting his mother."
Police responded to Hardaway's call on Friday and found an apartment in disarray. They booked her son on charges of second degree assault after Shawntia accused him of pushing her in the chest.

Murphy referred to this "unfortunate incident between a loving son and a mother" as something that happens when one side struggles "with a devastating addiction."

The singer's strained relationship with his mother was the topic of an award-winning TV documentary in 2007. Titled "I Won't Love You to Death: The Story of Mario and His Mom," it chronicled Mario's attempts to help his heroin-addicted relative.