Earlier this week, reports and anonymous firsthand accounts surfaced regarding singer-songwriter Justin Townes Earle’s arrest after an alleged brawl at his Indianapolis gig last Thursday. While his new album, Harlem River Blues, debuting at #47 on the charts should’ve been a boon to his upcoming 21-date jaunt with Jessica Lea Mayfield, that victory lap will, unfortunately, not be happening just yet. Per a statement on his website:
Justin Townes Earle has decided to suspend the remaining dates on his tour and enter a rehabilitation facility. Earle is strongly committed to confronting his on-going struggle with addiction and thanks his family, friends and fans for their continued support through this difficult time.
Earle responded to the misdemeanor charges by insisting that “reports surfacing online about the incident in Indianapolis are not accurate,” opting not to comment further at the advice of lawyers. As for allegations that he assaulted the Radio Radio venue owner’s daughter, Earle adds, “I would also like to say that I oppose violence against women in any form.”