Photo: Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office
Mark Morrison, the British artist who gained plenty of notoriety for his hit song "Return of the Mack," was arrested following an alleged violent incident in Florida.
According to a report TMZ published on Monday, March 24, Morrison was apprehended by police in Palm Beach after he allegedly shoved an employee at a fancy restaurant by the ocean. The incident happened at Le Bar à Vin in West Palm Beach. Morrison was reportedly angry when he walked into the venue on Saturday evening. He began yelling and cursing at the restaurant's general manager Nicola Lavacca before he allegedly shoved the man in the upper body.
"It is important to acknowledge that this altercation between Mr. Morrison and the male employee of the Le Bar à Vin, Nicola Lavacca, arose in the context of a racially charged confrontation," Morrison's lawyer Rick King told the outlet. "At this time, Mr. Morrison and legal counsel are working diligently to ensure that the facts of the case are fully understood and appropriately addressed."
Morrison was reportedly upset about an event he had started to coordinate at the venue the day before. Lavacca didn't fight back after the artist pushed him. A witness separated the two and told Morrison to go outside. Police were able to arrest the 52-year-old and charged him with simple battery. He posted a $1,000 bail the following day and was released. The artist's attorney said Morrison cooperated with police and believes his client will be cleared of all allegations.