Cuba Gooding Jr. Pleads Not Guilty to Groping Charges After His Arrest

Cuba Gooding Jr. surrendered himself to authorities to face charges of sexual abuse but pled not guilty. His lawyer insists his client did not act inappropriately based on surveillance of the incident.

Three days after he allegedly groped a woman at a bar, Cuba Gooding Jr. voluntarily surrendered to authorities and pled not guilty.

HE WAS SMILING AS HE ENTERED THE POLICE STATION

On Thursday, the actor was arrested in relation to a woman’s claims that he inappropriately touched her while partying at a New York City bar. He was charged for forcible touching and sexual abuse which could result in up to one year in jail if convicted.

The “Jerry Mcguire” star spent approximately six hours under police custody after which he was released without bail.

Gooding was spotted walking into the police station in a dark blue suit and even smiled and waved to reporters before entering. Inside, his fingerprints and mugshot were taken before he was led out again in handcuffs.

HE PLED NOT GUILTY IN COURT AND OUTSIDE

The 51-year-old was later spotted in a courtroom sitting on a wooden bench and waiting for his arraignment. He looked serious as his hands remained cuffed. When it was time for his case, his lawyer Mark Heller entered a plea of not guilty.

The “Jerry Mcguire” star spent approximately six hours under police custody after which he was released without bail.

“There's a tape that shows what really happened and that's the most important thing - let's not take away from that."

Gooding had little to say to reporters who tried to interview him upon leaving the courthouse. When asked if he maintained his stance that he didn't do anything wrong, he replied, "Yes." A reporter followed up for a comment on the video, and he answered, "Watch it."

HE TRUSTS THE SYSTEM

Gooding’s minimal reaction was a contrast to Sunday night when he was approached by TMZ as he was getting inside his car. It was the same night of the alleged incident.

“I trust the system and will let the process speak for itself,” he said. “There's a tape that shows what really happened and that's the most important thing - let's not take away from that."

In the clip, the actor who was with his alleged girlfriend, Claudine De Niro, appeared to have touched his accuser’s leg and breast.

SURVEILLANCE VIDEO REVEALS THERE WAS TOUCHING

The tape Gooding was referring to was a surveillance footage TMZ obtained from the bar. In the clip, the actor who was with his alleged girlfriend, Claudine De Niro, appeared to have touched his accuser’s leg and breast. The woman’s reaction which is still subject to interpretation seemed like she was pushing Gooding’s hand away. But it also appeared like Gooding pulled her hand to his mouth to kiss it.

"Nothing in the video could even be considered ambiguous, and I frankly am shocked and horrified that this case is being prosecuted."

HIS LAWYER SAYS NOTHING IN THE VIDEO WAS INAPPROPRIATE

If anything, the video clearly shows there was touching but according to Gooding’s attorney, his client “has not acted inappropriately in any shape or form.”

In fact, he insists the case should have been thrown out for lack of evidence upon viewing the footage.

"Nothing in the video could even be considered ambiguous, and I frankly am shocked and horrified that this case is being prosecuted," he said.

Gooding is scheduled to reappear in court on June 26.