Former "American Idol" Singer Haley Reinhart Arrested For Punching Bouncer
CHICAGO (CBS) -- Singer Haley Reinhart was arrested Saturday after allegedly punching a bouncer at a Palatine tavern.
Police said officers responded to a call of a disturbance at Lamplighter Inn Tavern & Grille at 60 N. Bothwell St. around 2 a.m. Saturday.
Staff told police several patrons were asked to leave after knocking over a table, and as they were being led out of the bar, Reinhart, 26, began arguing with a security guard and punched him in the head.
Reinhart, who placed third in the 10th season of "American Idol" was charged with a misdemeanor count of battery. She was due to appear in court on Aug. 2 in Rolling Meadows.
Reinhart grew up in northwest suburban Wheeling, and graduated from Wheeling High School, but now lives in Encino, California.
Reinhart's attorney, Dina LaPolt, said the singer denies the allegations, and claimed she was the victim in the incident.
"Without provocation, Haley Reinhart was assaulted by bouncers at the Lamplighter Inn. After forcefully removing Ms. Reinhart, they violently beat her friend, who sustained multiple injuries. We believe that she will be exonerated of all charges once the investigation is completed. We plan on taking legal action against all those who were involved in this unfortunate incident," LaPolt said in an email.