Mark Morrison, the British singer renowned for his 1996 hit “Return of the Mack,” was arrested on Saturday evening in Palm Beach, Florida. The 52-year-old artist faces a charge of simple battery following an altercation at Le Bar à Vin, a restaurant located on South County Road.
According to the Palm Beach Police Department, Morrison entered the establishment around 6:15 p.m., visibly agitated, and began yelling and cursing about an event at the venue. Witnesses reported that he confronted a staff member and pushed him twice in the upper body with an open hand. The employee did not retaliate and expressed his desire to press charges.
Witness Accounts and Arrest of Mark Morrison
Fabrizio Riillo, the restaurant’s nightlife manager, corroborated the employee’s account, stating that Morrison entered “in an irate manner” and engaged in a heated exchange before the physical altercation. Riillo intervened to separate the two and asked Morrison to leave the premises. He also noted that the incident was linked to a disagreement from the previous night, where Morrison had instructed a singer’s crew to increase the music volume against the venue’s policies.
Following the incident, Morrison was arrested and booked into the Palm Beach County Jail on a simple battery charge. He was released early Sunday morning after posting a $1,000 bond.
Legal Response and Context
Rick King, Morrison’s attorney, addressed the situation, stating that the altercation stemmed from a dispute over an unpaid entertainment fee and escalated into a “racially charged confrontation.” King emphasized that Morrison is fully cooperating with authorities and is confident that a thorough investigation will clarify the circumstances and vindicate him. He urged the public to withhold judgment until all facts are presented.
This arrest adds to Morrison’s history of legal issues. In 1997, he was convicted for attempting to bring a firearm aboard an airliner, resulting in a three-month jail sentence. Over the years, he has faced various charges, including affray, possession of an offensive weapon, and assault.
As the case progresses, further details are expected to emerge regarding the incident at Le Bar à Vin and the ensuing legal proceedings.