Criminal charges dropped against country singer Bailey Zimmerman after canceled New Mexico concert
Criminal charges have been dropped against country singer Bailey Zimmerman after an incident at a concert in New Mexico.
The Bernalillo County District Attorney's office in Albuquerque confirmed the dropped charges to ABC News on Thursday.
"The criminal matter was dismissed. Full restitution was made," District Attorney Sam Bregman said in a statement.
An attorney for Zimmerman also confirmed the dropped charges, telling ABC News in a statement late Wednesday, "Charges were dropped after Bailey took immediate responsibility for his mistake. We are grateful to the Pueblo of Sandia and the District Attorney’s Office for this just and swift resolution.”
Court records show the "Fall in Love" singer had faced one count of criminal damage more than $1,000, a felony, and one count of falsely obtaining services related to an incident at a May 27 concert at the Sandia Resort & Casino in Albuquerque.
According to an arrest affidavit filed in Bernalillo County Metropolitan Court, Zimmerman allegedly "stumbled onto the stage" before grabbing a guitar and striking it against the ground.
The arrest affidavit further alleged he threw a microphone off the stage and that, after band members attempted to intervene, "Mr. Zimmerman yelled at them and walked off stage for the third time."
According to the arrest affidavit, Zimmerman allegedly caused approximately $16,000 in damage to his hotel room and left unpaid charges for alcohol billed to the room.
The Illinois native, who released his debut album, "Religiously. The Album," in 2023, addressed the incident on Wednesday, apologizing to the Pueblo of Sandia, Sandia Resort & Casino and fans who purchased tickets to the show.
"I want to address the events surrounding my canceled show in New Mexico in May and the reports that have followed," Zimmerman said in a statement to ABC News, obtained through his attorney.
"First things first, I want to apologize to the Pueblo of Sandia and to everyone at Sandia Resort & Casino. I never meant for any of this to come across as disrespectful. I am deeply sorry for my actions that transpired," he said. "I respect your community and the hospitality and appreciate the opportunity that was given to me to perform on Native Land. I take full accountability for everything that happened and I am sorry to anyone who feels hurt or disrespected."
Zimmerman also apologized to fans who arrived expecting to see him perform.
"To my fans who bought tickets and showed up expecting a performance, I am so sorry, you deserved better from me," he said in the statement. "I understand that being a musician comes with big responsibilities, both on and off stage, and I know that I fell short that day. I am reflecting on the disappointment and concern that I caused."
He continued, "I am taking this legal matter seriously. I am committed to doing the work necessary to learn and grow. Thank you to my fans for holding me accountable and for understanding that I am human. I do not take your support for granted."
