Rapper Ja Rule plead guilty yesterday to an assault charge stemming from a fight outside a Toronto nightclub in June 2004. Ja Rule, whose real name is Jeffrey Atkins, appeared humble as he stood in court with his hands behind his back. He had flown to Toronto on Sunday from Australia.

Judge William Bassel advised the 29-year-old rap star of the penalties for a guilty plea, which includes the possibility of jail time and a $1,500 fine. He was represented by attorney Steven Shurka, who spoke for Ja Rule.

The June 5 incident occurred outside the La Rouge nightclub. Ja Rule, who was in the city working on the film Assault on Precinct 13, and his entourage were leaving the club when a crowd of people began hollering obscenities at him. He became agitated, and punched a man who he thought had been part of this verbal assault. The victim claims he had nothing to do with harassing Ja Rule. He later went to the police.

Judge Bassel accepted Ja Rule's plea, and while he indicated that he understood that the situation was threatening, but told him that there was no excuse for reacting in such a manner. He then praised him for coming forward and pleading guilty.

After the hearing, Ja Rule apologized to his fans and the city of Toronto saying, 'I just want to say, you know, I apologize to the city of Toronto. I thank you all for dealing with the case as the judge did. I'm just sorry about my actions, and you know, I pled guilty. And as my lawyer said and as the judge said, I stepped up to the plate today.'

His attorney told reporters that he does not anticipate the rapper will have any problem receiving the necessary clearance to return to Canada to perform.