Vietnamese-American singer Lynda Trang Dai requests delay in trial for alleged $330 Gucci AirPods case theft

Vietnamese-American singer Lynda Trang Dai. Photo courtesy of Lynda Trang Dai

The request was submitted by Lynda Trang Dai’s attorney Josephine Arroyo during a hearing on April 24 at the Ninth Judicial Circuit Court of Florida. The singer was absent from the hearing. The trial had previously been scheduled for May 12-15.

Arroyo also informed the court that Lynda Trang Dai was waiving her right to a speedy trial. This legal provision ensures that defendants are tried within a reasonable time frame to prevent unnecessary detention or delays.

The prosecution confirmed that they had sent the list of witnesses related to the case to Lynda Trang Dai’s attorney, as required by law.

In a media statement, Lynda Trang Dai expressed that she had authorized her lawyer to handle the case and was no longer concerned or anxious. She reiterated her innocence, stating that she was patiently waiting for the trial to clear her name. The singer also mentioned that she avoids following news or social media to protect her mood.

Court records show that on Jan. 4, Lynda Trang Dai purchased two bottles of perfume at a Gucci store in Orlando. During the transaction, she allegedly took an AirPods case worth $330, concealed it in her belongings, and left the store without paying. The following day, she returned to the store and was arrested.

Lynda Trang Dai maintains that she left the item at the checkout counter, but after reviewing security footage, store employees reported that she had not returned it. The singer later explained that in her rush, she accidentally dropped the AirPods case on the floor.

The singer was released on bail on Jan. 6. On Jan. 16, her attorney filed a motion for dismissal, leading to the cancellation of a hearing originally scheduled for Jan. 21.

In an interview with VnExpress, Lynda Trang Dai denied the shoplifting allegations, claiming the incident was the result of her hasty departure before a performance.

Lynda Trang Dai, originally from Hue, Vietnam, moved to the U.S. with her family in the 1970s. Known for her dynamic stage presence, she has often been compared to Madonna. She is married to Vietnamese-born singer Tommy Ngo.