Bailey Zimmerman has issued a public apology after New Mexico authorities filed felony and misdemeanor charges against him stemming from an alleged incident at Sandia Resort & Casino in May.
The charges, first reported by TMZ on Monday, June 22nd, include a fourth-degree felony count of criminal damage to property and a misdemeanor count of falsely obtaining services. Prosecutors allege Zimmerman caused more than $16,000 in damage to a hotel room at the resort and left behind an unpaid $400 tab. Police filed paperwork on June 18th seeking an arrest warrant after resort staff and law enforcement reportedly attempted to reach Zimmerman about the alleged damage and received no reply.
Zimmerman Takes “Full Accountability” in Statement
On Tuesday, June 23rd, Zimmerman broke his silence with a statement cited by PEOPLE and other outlets, directing his first words toward the venue and its community.
“First things first, I want to apologize to the Pueblo of Sandia and to everyone at Sandia Resort & Casino,” the statement read. “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.”
Zimmerman then addressed his fanbase directly: “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 closed the statement by acknowledging the legal proceedings: “I am taking this legal matter seriously. 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.”
What the Legal Documents Allege
According to legal documents obtained by TMZ, the alleged hotel room destruction took place on May 27th — the same day Zimmerman was scheduled to perform at the amphitheater at Sandia Resort and Casino. Items reportedly damaged included a TV, a phone, a coffee table, and two chairs; two additional chairs were listed as missing. The room also allegedly sustained a hole in one wall, damage to other walls, and carpet staining.
The documents further allege that Zimmerman appeared intoxicated throughout his stay. Hotel security reportedly told police he was “stumbling, falling, and acting belligerently onstage for sound check.” An affidavit in the case claims he threw microphones and cymbals, knocked over a drum kit, and spit toward a security guard. When he returned to the hotel, he was allegedly “stumbling” and needed to lean on another person to walk. He was ultimately escorted off the property via a hotel-provided bus.
Zimmerman canceled the May 27th performance as well as a second show scheduled for May 30th, citing at the time that he had “not been feeling well.” As the legal process moves forward, the case will likely remain a significant story for both his fanbase and the broader country music industry.
