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Justin Townes Earle Responds To Arrest
Justin Townes Earle had a bad time at Indianapolis’ Radio Radio Sept. 16 that ended with the singer-songwriter being arrested and sent off to jail.
Earle was charged with battery, public intoxication and resisting law enforcement, according to the official website for the city of Indianapolis and Marion County.
According to MyOldKentuckyBlog, the singer “insulted (and assaulted) the venue owners and staff, the sold-out audience, and local law enforcement.”
After a fan shouted out a request for “Freebird,” Earle reportedly told him, “F**k ‘Freebird’, I f**king hate Lynyrd Skynyrd,” according to fan reports on SavingCountryMusic.com.
More words were reportedly exchanged until a fan threw a shirt at Earle, which landed across his guitar. Earle then closed the show with the tune “Walk Out” and did just that, without an encore.
The Indianapolis Star reported Radio Radio owner David “Tufty” Clough said Earle left the venue only after smashing a lamp, mirror and table valued at $200. His daughter, Cheyenne, reportedly claims Earle hit her with a closed fist when she attempted to stop him from attacking her father.
The singer was physically removed from the venue and held until police arrived. The rising country artist and son of singer-songwriter Steve Earle was released after posting $150 bond.
“Unfortunately, reports surfacing online about the incident in Indianapolis are not accurate. I have been advised by counsel that I should not comment on a pending criminal matter, but suffice to say that I am looking forward to having my day in court. I would also like to say that I oppose violence against women in any form,” Earle said in a statement released by his record label.
Earle is scheduled to appear in court Oct. 19. Currently his calendar is booked that day with a show at Webster Hall in New York City.