XXXTentacion: Rapper 'punches woman in head' in newly circulated video ahead of domestic violence trial

Lawyers for the rapper say the incident was a 'joke' rather than assault

Controversial rapper XXXTentacion has appeared in a newly circulated video which appears to show him punching a woman in the head.

The video was obtained by TMZ and shows XXXTentacion, real name Jahseh Onfroy, standing behind an unidentified woman, dancing, before he seems to strike her with considerable force on the side of the head.

TMZ reports that the video, which is believed to be old based on the rapper's hairstyle in the footage, is being reviewed by prosecutors in his upcoming domestic violence trial.

His attorneys, J David Bogenscutz and Jaclyn Broudy, said in a statement that the video was "taken completely in jest".

"We have seen what purports to be an aged (which is apparent from the physical differences in the depiction) video and note that it is, at least, inconclusive as to whether any such "hitting" actually occurred and WHEN this alleged incident took place.

"Moreover, the actors in this video are obviously friends, and also obviously acting in jest. You should also be aware that we are advised that the woman in the video has been located and has admitted that activity depicted was a 'joke' and not an 'assault'.

"Jahseh has been more than a changed young man as a result of this ordeal and it is disturbing that people who have negative agendas continue to try to tar him. He has dedicated himself to spreading a positive message and has been participating in community outreach and charitable concerns, and, despite these attacks on him, he continues that positive approach and is staying true to his music."

XXXTentacion is facing trial for several domestic violence charges, including aggravated battery of a pregnant woman, domestic battery by strangulation, false imprisonment, and witness tampering. In a separate case, he also faces 15 charges of harassing and tampering with a witness or victim. He has pleaded not guilty on all charges.

Despite the impending trial, his second album ? is currently No.1 on the Billboard 200.