MTV has tapped R&B star Omarion to replace Shane Sparks on America's Best Dance Crew's judging panel.
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Sparks was arrested and charged with eight counts of child molestation last month.
Omarion will join returning judges J.C. Chasez and Lil Mama for America's Best Dance Crew's fifth season, which will premiere Thursday, January 28 at 10PM ET/PT on MTV.
"Omarion is one of the most accomplished, multi-talented young stars of his generation. His music and music videos have influenced hip-hop dance going back to his B2k days and in more recent years as a platinum-selling solo artist," said MTV executive Liz Gateley.
"He is an accomplished dancer, artist and actor who knows what makes a good dance crew performance. We are very excited for him to join Lil Mama and JC Chasez as our third judge."
Sparks was arrested in December and charged with eight incidents of alleged molestation with an underage girl, including oral copulation and other acts "with the intent of arousing, appealing to, and gratifying the lust, passions, and sexual desires of the defendant, who was at least 10 years older than [the victim]."
The alleged molestation began in July 1994 and continued for several years.
The 40-year-old former So You Think You Can Dance choreographer was released on bail the day after his arrest.
"Shane Sparks is innocent, he knows it and soon the world will know it. We are going to fight this tooth and nail," attorney Steve Meister told E! News at the time.
"It's a bogus accusation that reeks of opportunism and exploitation. The timing is beyond suspicious, and this whole thing stinks to high heaven, We are going to fight to clear his name, and we are going to succeed."
About The Author: Christopher Rocchio
