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American Idol Star Antonella Barba Faces Domestic Violence Arrest and Probation Violation
Former American Idol contestant Antonella Barba has reportedly been taken into custody on charges related to domestic violence. The arrest also raises concerns about a potential violation of her federal probation.
Arrest Details and Allegations
According to TMZ reports, citing a representative from the U.S. Marshals, Antonella Barba, 38, was apprehended by the Pt. Pleasant Beach Police Department in New Jersey on Sunday, March 30. The arrest occurred during what was described as “a vehicle stop.”
Law enforcement officials reportedly indicated that there was an outstanding warrant for Barba’s arrest stemming from a domestic violence incident that occurred approximately two weeks prior to the vehicle stop. Furthermore, Barba, who previously served time in prison from 2019 to 2021 on drug-related charges, is alleged to have breached the terms of her federal probation linked to the earlier drug conviction.
Court Confirmation and Restraining Order
Us Weekly, after reviewing legal documents from the United States District Court, corroborated the reports on Tuesday. The documents confirmed that Barba was placed under home confinement following her release from the Essex County Correctional Facility earlier that day. A court order also mandates that Barba refrain from any communication with an individual identified as “K.H.” and their family. These details align with a domestic dispute involving Barba and her former partner, K.H., documented in court records reviewed by Us Weekly, which took place in late November 2024.
Upcoming Court Hearing
Barba’s home detention is scheduled to conclude on April 29, which is when she is expected to appear for a court hearing regarding these recent charges. Inquiries for comments from Barba’s representatives have been made, but no response has been issued as of yet.
Antonella Barba’s Rise to Fame on American Idol
Antonella Barba gained prominence as a participant in season 6 of the popular singing competition American Idol, which broadcast in 2007. She successfully advanced to the top 16 contestants. However, her journey on the show concluded before the announcement of the top 12 finalists, following the emergence of semi-nude images of Barba online.
Prior Legal Issues and Drug Charges
In February 2019, Barba was taken into custody for attempting to distribute nearly two pounds of fentanyl. She subsequently served a 45-month prison sentence. Upon her release, reports from TMZ indicated that she was placed on five years of supervised release.
The media outlet further stated that Barba reportedly “moved out of her approved residence in Point Pleasant” around July 2022. This alleged relocation was discovered by her probation officer, which led to Barba being placed under a curfew. She reportedly consented to wearing an electronic ankle monitor at that time as a condition of her probation.
Details of the Alleged Domestic Violence Incident
Regarding the recent alleged domestic violence incident from November 2024, it is reported that K.H. allegedly struck Barba “with a closed fist… and caused a facial laceration with a ring.” Just two months later, she was reportedly “expelled from a domestic violence shelter… for jeopardizing its secrecy by revealing its location to K.H.,” according to TMZ.
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233 for confidential support. https://www.thehotline.org/