Rock music legend and high-profile Democrat Bruce Springsteen got off scot-free this week, Breitbart reported, when prosecutors decided to dismiss two criminal charges against him stemming from a reported drunk driving incident that occurred last November.
The musician was hit with charges of reckless driving, DWI, and consuming alcohol in a closed area following an incident at New Jersey’s Gateway National Recreation Area. But according to Breitbart, Magistrate Judge Anthony Mautone opted to dismiss the former two charges.
Springsteen reportedly pleaded guilty to consuming alcohol in a closed area and paid a $540 fine.
According to the Asbury Park Press, Mautone cited Springsteen’s driving record as a reason for the light punishment, noting “he has two violations, one use of a handheld device.”
A controversial arrest
Despite having occurred late last year, news of Springsteen’s arrest only came to light this month following a report from the celebrity gossip website TMZ.
That revelation led to controversy for American automaker Jeep, which had featured Springsteen in a prominent Super Bowl commercial called “The Middle.” Jeep later issued a statement announcing that it would be pulling the ad.
“It would be inappropriate for us to comment on the details of a matter we have only read about and we cannot substantiate,” Jeep told CNBC of Springsteen’s arrest, as Breitbart reported.
“But it’s also right that we pause our Big Game commercial until the actual facts can be established,” the company added. “Its message of community and unity is as relevant as ever. As is the message that drinking and driving can never be condoned.”
A long-time Democratic activist
Springsteen has long been a prominent figure in left-wing politics. The singer appeared on the campaign trail alongside former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, and he issued an unequivocal endorsement of former President Barack Obama in 2008, reports noted.
He has also been a frequent critic of Donald Trump, saying in 2019 that the then-president “doesn’t have a grasp of the deep meaning of what it means to be an American,” according to USA Today.
Springsteen told Billboard magazine in June 2020 that he believed Trump to be “a threat to our democracy.”
“I don’t know if our democracy could stand another four years of his custodianship,” he added.
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