Haley Reinhart made beautiful music during the 10th season of “American Idol,” but now she’s making headlines for a bar brawl. According to TMZ, the onetime “American Idol” third-place finisher has been arrested in Chicago for allegedly punching a bouncer in the head. Reinhart was arrested at around 2 a.m. at the suburban Chicago pub the Lamplighter Inn after bouncers booted the singer and her friends out of the bar for reportedly knocking over a table. The report reveals that Haley landed a closed-fisted punch at a bouncer as he escorted her out the door.
The 5'2" singing powerhouse was taken into custody and was charged with one count of battery.
Lawyer disputes the charges
In the aftermath of the arrest, Haley Reinhart’s lawyer tells TMZ that her client was assaulted by the bouncers. Attorney Dina LaPolt alleges Haley was “forcefully” removed from the bar and that her friend was violently beaten by the bouncers and sustained multiple injuries. Reinhart plans to take legal action against the bar, while her attorney vows that the singer “will be exonerated of all charges once the investigation is completed." According to Us Weekly, Haley Reinhart now has a court date for August 2.
Haley was a fan favorite on ‘Idol’ Season 10
While she lost her season of "American Idol” to country singer Scotty McCreery, Haley Reinhart was a major standout in that season.
Haley wasn’t afraid to take risks on the show, and with Aerosmith legend Steven Tyler at the judges’ table that season, she went into rock goddess mode by belting out a cover of the Led Zeppelin anthem “What Is and What Should Never Be.” Diehard fans of the Fox TV talent competition may recall that Haley’s dad even accompanied her on guitar for the hard rock performance.
In addition to her solo performances on the show, Haley’s friendship with fellow “American Idol” competitor Casey Abrams was well documented, and the two besties went on to record music together after their time on the show ended. Today, Haley Reinhart still works as a singer as well as a voice actress on the Netflix animated series "F is for Family.” She recently released the single “Baby It’s You” from her upcoming third album and she is scheduled to perform in Atlantic City later this month.
News of Haley Reinhart’s surprising arrest comes as “American Idol” is set for a reboot just one year after it ended its 15-season run on Fox. The show will return on ABC sometime next year.
