Country music star Bailey Zimmerman is speaking out after an arrest warrant was issued in New Mexico over allegations that he caused more than $16,000 in damage to a hotel room following a canceled concert appearance.
The chart-topping singer released a public apology through his attorney on Tuesday, addressing both the Pueblo of Sandia and disappointed fans after the controversy made national headlines.
"I take full accountability for everything that happened," Zimmerman said in the statement. "I am deeply sorry for my actions that transpired."
The singer was scheduled to perform at Sandia Resort & Casino concert on May 27 but canceled the show, citing illness. What happened behind the scenes has since become the subject of a criminal investigation.
According to court documents, an arrest warrant was issued on June 18 charging Zimmerman with a fourth-degree felony count of criminal damage to property exceeding $1,000 and a misdemeanor charge for allegedly obtaining services under false pretenses.
Investigators claim the damage occurred at Sandia Resort & Casino, where Zimmerman was staying before the canceled performance.
The affidavit alleges resort staff observed the singer behaving erratically during soundcheck and appearing intoxicated before leaving the venue. Authorities further claim that after returning to the resort, Zimmerman caused extensive damage to his hotel room, including furniture, a television, a wall, and other property. The total damage was estimated at more than $16,000.
The documents also allege that approximately $400 worth of alcohol was charged to the room and left unpaid.
Now facing serious legal questions, Zimmerman says he is committed to learning from the incident.
"I understand that being a musician comes with big responsibilities, both on and off stage, and I know that I fell short that day," he said. "I am taking this legal matter seriously. I am committed to doing the work necessary to learn and grow."
The apology also addressed fans who purchased tickets for the canceled New Mexico show.
"To my fans who bought tickets and showed up expecting a performance, I am so sorry. You deserved better from me."
The controversy marks a difficult moment for one of country music's fastest-rising stars. Zimmerman has enjoyed a meteoric rise thanks to hits like Rock and a Hard Place, Fall in Love, and songs from his recent album Different Night Same Rodeo.
Despite the legal troubles, Zimmerman remains scheduled to perform in Nebraska later this week, leaving fans wondering whether the singer will address the allegations further from the stage.
For now, the country star's public apology has shifted attention from the accusations themselves to what comes next as the legal process unfolds.
