Bailey Zimmerman apologizes after canceled New Mexico concert, criminal charges
Country singer Bailey Zimmerman is apologizing after a canceled concert in New Mexico led to criminal charges and an arrest warrant.
Zimmerman addressed the incident in a statement to ABC News released through attorney Kitren Fischer of Fischer Dorsey Law 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," the statement read.
"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," the statement continued.
"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," the statement added.
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 alleges 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."
Authorities also allege Zimmerman returned to the stage, kicked drum cymbals and "shoved one of his guitarists."
After leaving the stage, Zimmerman allegedly drank from a bottle of water "and then spit toward a Sandia security officer standing nearby," according to the arrest affidavit
The arrest affidavit alleges that resort staff later determined Zimmerman and members of his team "needed to depart the property due to his behavior."
The arrest affidavit further alleges Zimmerman caused approximately $16,000 in damage to his hotel room and left unpaid charges for alcohol billed to the room.
Zimmerman faces one count of criminal damage more than $1,000, a felony, and one count of falsely obtaining services, a misdemeanor, according to court records.
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."
The Illinois native gained attention by posting original songs on social media before breaking through with the hit single "Fall in Love." He released his debut album, "Religiously. The Album," in 2023 and has since scored multiple chart-topping country hits.
In his statement, Zimmerman said he is taking the legal matter seriously.
"I am taking this legal matter seriously," he said. "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."
A June 22 court filing shows Fischer Dorsey Law entered an appearance on Zimmerman's behalf. In the filing, Zimmerman "hereby demands a speedy trial."
The case remains pending.
