NEW YORK — Steely Dan founder Donald Fagen was charged Tuesday with assaulting his wife at their Manhattan home, according to law enforcement officials and court papers.
The 67-year-old former lead singer allegedly shoved Libby Titus into a marble window frame, knocking her to the ground Monday afternoon at their Upper East Side apartment. The assault caused Titus, 68, to “suffer bruising and swelling to her right arm, as well as substantial pain,” according to the criminal complaint.
The two officials were not authorized to disclose the victim’s name and spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity. Fagen was charged with charged with misdemeanor assault and harassment. His publicist had no comment.
Fagen launched Steely Dan in 1972 with guitarist Walter Becker. The group went on to sell more than 40 million albums, with such hit singles as “Reelin’ In the Years,” “Rikki Don’t Lose that Number” and “Deacon Blues.” It was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 2001.
Becker and Fagen performed an eight-night residency at New York’s Beacon Theatre in October with a newer iteration of the band.
Titus is a producer, actor and songwriter and put out two albums in the late 1970s with producers Phil Ramone, Paul Simon, Carly Simon and Robbie Robertson.
Fagen was released without bail Tuesday after a brief court appearance. He was ordered to avoid Titus.
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