Country music star Chris Young is breathing a sigh of relief as he has been cleared of all charges stemming from his arrest at a Nashville bar earlier this week. The singer, who was facing charges of disorderly conduct, resisting arrest, and assault on an officer, said he was “grateful” for the decision and thanked his fans for their support.
“I’m just glad this is over, and I can move on with my life,” Young told PEOPLE in an exclusive interview. “It was a misunderstanding that got blown out of proportion and I’m thankful that the truth came out.”
The Nashville District Attorney’s Office announced on Friday that all charges against Young would be dismissed “after a review of all the evidence in this case.” The country star, whose hits include “The Man I Want to Be” and “Gettin’ You Home,” was arrested on Monday night after he allegedly followed Alcoholic Beverage Commission agents from one bar to another and touched one of them on the shoulder.
But Young’s attorney, Bill Ramsey, said the arrest affidavit was inaccurate and released video footage that showed Young reaching out to the agent, who then shoved him to the ground. Young was seen getting up and backing away with his hands up, while his friends intervened.
“What happened to my client Chris Young at a bar in Nashville on Monday night was wrong, and he never should have been arrested and charged in the first place,” Ramsey said in a statement on Wednesday. “In light of the video evidence, Tennessee ABC needs to drop the charges and apologize for the physical, emotional, and professional harm done towards my client.”
Ramsey also praised the DA’s office for dropping the charges and clearing Young’s name. “Mr. Young and I are gratified with the DA’s decision clearing him of the charges and any wrong-doing,” he said on Friday.
Young, who is currently working on his ninth studio album, said he was looking forward to focusing on his music and his upcoming tour. He also expressed his appreciation for his loyal fans, who stood by him during the ordeal.
“I want to thank my fans for their love and prayers,” he said. “They are the best and they mean the world to me. I can’t wait to see them on the road and share my new music with them.