Drink-driving charges against Bruce Springsteen dropped
- The rock icon was instead fined US$540 after admitting to having ‘two small shots’ in a national recreation area where alcohol consumption is banned
- Prosecutors said there was insufficient evidence to prove reckless driving and driving under the influence, for which Springsteen was originally cited
Bruce Springsteen has been fined US$540 after pleading guilty to consuming alcohol in a national recreation area where drinking is banned, a federal judge ruled Wednesday.
The Thunder Road superstar was arrested on November 14, 2020 for drinking what he said in the Zoom court hearing was “two small shots of tequila” in New Jersey’s Gateway National Recreation Area.
Springsteen was also cited for reckless driving and driving under the influence, two charges the court dropped on Wednesday, with the government saying it would not be able to provide sufficient evidence to prove them.
Appearing in a black jacket and jumper over a collared button-up, the 71-year-old rock icon was calm and cordial as he acknowledged consuming the alcohol in the park despite knowing it was illegal.
After he initially entering a not guilty plea to all three charges, the defence and prosecution agreed Springsteen would plead guilty to the drinking in a closed area charge in exchange for dismissing the others and avoiding a trial.