Taiwanese-Japanese star implicated in beating

Widely popular amongst Taiwanese fans, Taiwanese-Japanese starlet Makiyo speaks to media as she leaves the Taipei District Court, Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012, in Taipei, Taiwan. Prosecutors say the 27-year-old singer has been barred from leaving Taiwan pending a probe into her alleged involvement in the beating of a taxi driver in Taipei. (AP Photo) TAIWAN OUT

Widely popular amongst Taiwanese fans, Taiwanese-Japanese starlet Makiyo is seen leaving the Taipei District Court Tuesday, Feb. 7, 2012, in Taipei, Taiwan. Prosecutors say the 27-year-old singer has been barred from leaving Taiwan pending a probe into her alleged involvement in the beating of a taxi driver in Taipei. (AP Photo) TAIWAN OUT

The Associated Press Updated 9:11 AM Tuesday, February 7, 2012

TAIPEI, Taiwan — Prosecutors say Taiwanese-Japanese starlet Makiyo has been barred from leaving Taiwan pending an investigation into her alleged involvement in the beating of a taxi driver in Taipei.

The Taipei Prosecutors Office said Tuesday the 27-year-old singer is accused of kicking a taxi door after her companion, who allegedly was drunk, dragged the driver out and beat him.

Makiyo has apologized and pledged to stop drinking after the Thursday night incident.

Prosecutors say Takateru Tomoyori of Japan was released on bail pending formal charges, possibly attempted homicide.

The driver suffered brain bleeding and two broken ribs.

News reports said the taxi driver asked Tomoyori and Makiyo to get out after they refused to wear seat belts.

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February 07, 2012 02:09 PM EST

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