Mark Morrison, the voice behind the 90s anthem “Return of the Mack,” found himself back in the spotlight this weekend, but not for music. The British R&B veteran was arrested in Palm Beach, Florida, after an explosive confrontation at a high-end wine bar.
According to TMZ, Morrison showed up at Le Bar a Vin on Saturday night, March 22, to handle an unresolved dispute with the venue’s general manager. Sources at the scene say Morrison was visibly upset about a previously discussed event that apparently hadn’t gone as expected or was canceled altogether.
Things escalated quickly. Witnesses say the singer began shouting and then allegedly shoved the manager in the upper body during the argument. Staff moved in swiftly to separate the two and de-escalate the situation before it could spiral even further. Morrison was told to leave the premises, but the incident had already drawn enough attention to warrant police involvement.
Palm Beach Police arrived shortly after and placed Morrison under arrest. He was charged with simple battery, a misdemeanor offense in Florida. The arrest report indicates that multiple witnesses confirmed Morrison’s physical contact with the manager, making it an open-and-shut case for police at the scene.
Adding a bizarre layer to the arrest was Morrison’s outfit. He was reportedly escorted from the scene in a black skirt layered over khaki shorts, paired with bright yellow sneakers. When he arrived at the police station for booking, he had changed into a standard-issue blue jail jumpsuit, where his mugshot was taken. In the photo, Morrison can be seen offering a faint, almost nonchalant smile.
The singer was released the following morning (Sunday) after posting a $1,000 bond.
Morrison’s career has long been shadowed by controversy, with a string of legal issues dating back to the late 90s. After skyrocketing to fame with “Return of the Mack,” he was jailed in 1997 for sending a body double to complete court-ordered community service. Over the years, he faced multiple arrests, including charges related to assault, nightclub altercations, and weapons possession. His repeated run-ins with the law and unpredictable behavior often derailed his musical momentum, turning a promising R&B legacy into a cautionary tale marked by turmoil and missed opportunities.
Though he’s remained relatively quiet in the U.S. in recent years, Morrison has maintained a cult following and occasional appearances in the UK music scene.
Morrison or his representatives have yet to comment on the incident or clarify what triggered the altercation at Le Bar a Vin.
Authorities have not announced a court date yet, but Morrison will likely have to return to Florida to address the charge in the coming weeks.
