Bailey Zimmerman has avoided criminal charges after he was accused of destroying a hotel room in New Mexico while on his Different Night Same Rodeo tour.
The 26-year-old country singer had been accused of causing more than $16,000 in damage to a hotel room at Sandia Resort and Casino in Albuquerque after he canceled his May 27 show that was scheduled at the resort.
A warrant was issued for his arrest last week after he was charged with felony criminal damage to property and falsely obtaining services, which is a misdemeanor. However, before he could be taken into custody, he issued a statement taking “full responsibility” for his alleged behavior.
The Bernalillo County District Attorney’s Office announced Wednesday that the case was dismissed because full restitution was made, according to local outlet KRQE.
“Charges were dropped after Bailey took immediate responsibility for his mistake,” Zimmerman’s lawyer said in a statement to KRQE. “We are grateful to the Pueblo of Sandia and the District Attorney’s Office for this just and swift resolution.”
When the incident occurred May 27, Zimmerman had told fans that he was forced to reschedule his shows because he was sick, saying at the time: “I got to take care of myself so I can get back out there stronger.”
According to court documents obtained by The Independent, hotel staff reported a series of events that led up to the concert’s cancellation.
Sandia security told investigators that Zimmerman appeared to be intoxicated at the time and was angry with his band and his manager. Court documents said that Zimmerman swung a guitar during sound check, threw a microphone and fell multiple times on stage.
He then reportedly went back to the hotel, where he returned to his room on the fifth floor. The concert was subsequently canceled.
Documents said that Zimmerman and his staff were then asked to leave the property because of his behavior, but the singer initially refused to leave in the vehicles provided by the resort. Sandia police were then called, and investigators report that Zimmerman was cooperative after that.
The next day, Sandia police were called again after security and housekeeping staff at the resort found the room destroyed.
Court documents said police found a damaged TV, a broken phone, a damaged coffee table, a hole in the wall and damage to the walls and carpet. Two chairs were also missing from the room.
Investigators said the total amount of damage to the room came to $16,000, plus a $400 alcohol bill that was charged to the room and never paid.
In his statement regarding his alleged behavior, Zimmerman said: “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. 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.”
Addressing the concert cancellation, Zimmerman apologized to his fans. “I am so sorry, you deserved better from me. 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 said, adding that he is “taking this legal matter seriously” and is “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,” he concluded.
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