REMY MA'S ATTORNEY CLAIMS VICTIM CHANGED EVIDENCE AS ASSAULT TRIAL KICKS OFF

LATEST: Rapper REMY MA's lawyer has accused the star's alleged assault victim of altering her evidence relating to a 2007 nightclub shooting, to suit her own financial benefit.

Attorney Ivan Fisher made the verbal attack in a Manhattan, New York courtroom on Monday (10Mar08) as part of his opening statement in the MC's trial on charges of assault against Makeda Barnes-Joseph.

Remy Ma - real name Remy Smith - is currently standing trial after being accused of assault, criminal possession of a weapon, gang assault and witness intimidation following the shooting of the 23-year-old outside a New York club last July (07).

Fisher implied Barnes-Joseph changed her account of the incident after her lawyer began to compile a $20 million (GBP10 million) lawsuit against the hip-hop star - which has now been increased to $80 million (GBP40 million).

However, Assistant District Attorney Jason Berland argued Remy Ma has a history of involvement in violent altercations, citing an August (07) incident in which Barnes-Joseph's boyfriend had his jaw broken after an alleged order by the rapper.

He told the Supreme Court, "(Remy Ma) is not the type of person to sit back and let people testify against her."

Prosecutors allege the incident was sparked when Smith discovered $2,000 (GBP1,000) missing from her purse and accused Barnes-Joseph of stealing the money.

Remy Ma was initially also charged with attempted murder, but the count was dropped after investigators found the gun had been fired accidentally.

She has pleaded not guilty to all charges and is facing 25 years behind bars if convicted.