New Orleans music producer Mykel “MykelOnTheBeat” Cook, 33, has been arrested and charged with intentional exposure to HIV after he was accused of infecting a bounce artist whose music he produced.
Cook was booked into the Orleans Justice Center on September 18. He was initially held without bond pending a Gwen’s Law hearing, after which Magistrate Commissioner Joyce Sallah set his bond at $250,000 and issued a domestic protective order for the alleged victim. Cook has since been released on bond.
Cook also has domestic vi%lence convictions dating back to 2021 and 2023 in St. Charles and Jefferson parishes, respectively.
The alleged victim, 38-year-old Jayvonda Bazile, who performs as BOG Vonnie, asked to be identified publicly. She said she chose to speak out to encourage people in the music community to take HIV testing seriously, adding that she believes others may have been exposed.
According to the arrest affidavit, Cook met Bazile in 2018 and initially agreed to help her pursue a music career before becoming her producer. Their professional relationship later became personal.
