Mark Morrison has been arrested in Florida on expenses of battery. The incident marks the most recent in a sequence of authorized troubles for the British R&B star spanning a number of many years.
The 52-year-old British singer – finest identified for his 1996 hit ‘Return of the Mack’ – was taken into custody on Saturday (22.04.25) following an alleged altercation at Le Bar à Vin in Palm Seaside, however his arrest has solely now come to mild. Le Bar à Vin is an upscale institution identified for its in depth wine choice and movie star clientele.
In accordance with a police report obtained by TMZ and printed on Monday (24.03.25), Morrison started shouting and swearing on the venue’s common supervisor, Nicola Lavacca, over an occasion he had began planning the day prior to this. The report signifies that Morrison had been discussing internet hosting a non-public social gathering on the venue earlier than the disagreement occurred.
Witnesses reportedly advised officers that the state of affairs escalated, with Morrison allegedly pushing Lavacca within the higher physique. Lavacca didn’t retaliate. Safety digital camera footage from the venue is being reviewed as a part of the investigation, in keeping with native authorities.
A witness intervened, separating the 2 males and urging Morrison to step exterior. The witness, who has not been publicly recognized, later offered an announcement to responding officers.
Police later arrested the singer on a cost of easy battery. Beneath Florida legislation, easy battery is classed as a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by as much as one yr in jail and a $1,000 advantageous.
He was launched on Sunday (23.03.25) morning after posting a $1,000 (£775) bond. Courtroom information present Morrison is scheduled for an preliminary listening to subsequent month on the Palm Seaside County Courthouse.
Morrison rose to fame within the mid-Nineties with ‘Return of the Mack‘, which grew to become a defining observe of the last decade’s R and B motion. The tune reached primary within the UK and quantity two on the US Billboard Sizzling 100 chart.
His debut album of the identical identify additionally featured the songs ‘Loopy’ and ‘Let’s Get Down’. The album achieved platinum standing within the UK and gold certification in the US, establishing Morrison as a outstanding determine within the R&B scene.
Regardless of his musical success, his profession has been overshadowed by authorized points. His troubled historical past with legislation enforcement spans a number of international locations and many years, with incidents starting from minor infractions to critical offenses.
In 1997, Morrison was convicted for trying to convey a firearm aboard an airliner and served a three-month jail sentence. The incident occurred at a London airport when safety personnel found an unloaded weapon in his baggage.
The next yr, he missed a court docket look for expenses associated to possessing an offensive weapon, as a substitute travelling to Barbados. His unauthorized journey whereas going through legal expenses sophisticated his authorized state of affairs additional.
He was arrested upon his return to the UK however was later cleared of the weapon cost. This sample of authorized troubles and court docket appearances grew to become a recurring theme all through his profession.
Morrison was additionally convicted of affray after a brawl that resulted in a single fatality. The incident, which passed off exterior a nightclub in Leicester, led to the demise of a person who was indirectly concerned within the altercation with Morrison.
He was sentenced to group service – however paid a lookalike, Gabriel Maferika, to serve his sentence whereas he went on tour. This deception was finally found by authorities, leading to further authorized penalties.
The deception led to a year-long jail sentence at Wormwood Scrubs, the place he reportedly transformed to Islam and tried to alter his identify to Abdul Rahman. Jail information point out he maintained a low profile throughout his incarceration.
In 1998, Morrison was banned from driving for six months and fined £1,380 after being caught twice and not using a license. The driving violations added to his rising record of authorized troubles.
And in 2002, he was arrested on suspicion of kidnapping and automotive theft. The intense nature of those allegations marked an escalation in his authorized difficulties.
Although launched on bail, a police officer was later arrested for allegedly accepting a bribe from Morrison. He then failed to look in court docket, prompting a warrant for his arrest. The corruption investigation involving the officer grew to become a separate authorized matter.
In 2004, Morrison was arrested following an altercation at a Leicester nightclub, the place a platinum and diamond medallion was stolen from round his neck. The jewellery was reportedly invaluable and personally vital to the singer.
He spent an evening in custody earlier than being launched. Representatives for Morrison haven’t but commented on his most up-to-date arrest in Florida.