[UPDATE 12/21/21]: Charges of child abuse brought against Alabama Shakes drummer Steve Johnson have been dismissed. The charges, first brought against the 36-year-old drummer back in March, allegedly stemmed from a “spanking incident” according to attorneys.
Per The Associated Press, a judge in Limestone County, Alabama dismissed the charges on December 16th.
In a statement shared with Rolling Stone, Johnson’s attorneys Nick Lough and Marcus Helstowski, said, “Steve Johnson maintained his innocence throughout the course of this entire ordeal. Just like anyone charged with a crime, Mr. Johnson had to wait for his day in court. People are quick to make judgments and assumptions based on catchy headlines when cases like this first surface. We’re thankful that after more than a year this allegation has been put to rest and Mr. Johnson’s name has been cleared of any wrongdoing.”
Alabama Shakes have been on hiatus since 2018 when frontwoman Brittany Howard began pursuing solo endeavors.
[3/28/21]: Alabama Shakes drummer Steven Johnson has been taken into custody in Alabama on child abuse charges, according to a report from The Associated Press.
The 35-year-old drummer was arrested on Wednesday after being indicted on charges of “willful torture, willful abuse and cruelly beating or otherwise willfully maltreating a child under the age of 18.”
Johnson was taken to Limestone County Jail with bond set at $21,500. An arraignment date is set for April 7th. As the AP notes, “It was not clear if Johnson has an attorney who could comment on the charges. Managers for the band did not immediately respond to an emailed request for comment.”
The Grammy-winning Alabama Shakes have been on hiatus since 2018, with frontwoman Brittany Howard instead focusing on her solo pursuits.
This story is developing.