‘ Idol’ alum charged with battering Palatine bouncer
“American Idol” finalist and northwest suburban Wheeling native Haley Reinhart was arrested in Palatine over the weekend after police said the 5- foot- 2 singer punched a bouncer in the head at Lamplighter Inn Tavern & Grill.
Police were called to the bar, at 60 N. Bothwell St., at 2 a. m. Saturday after reports Reinhart and her friends flipped over a table and were asked to leave. As they were being led out, police said, Reinhart scuffled with a member of the security staff and struck the man in the head with a closed fist.
She was charged with battery and released on bond. She has an Aug. 2 court date in Rolling Meadows.
In a statement, Dina LaPolt, Reinhart’s attorney, denied the allegations Monday night.
“Without provocation, Haley Reinhart was assaulted by bouncers at the Lamplighter Inn,” LaPolt said. “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.”
Reinhart, 26, who grew up in Wheeling but now lives in Encino, California, was a top three finalist on “American Idol” in 2011. Scotty McCreery won that season.
Neither the Lamplighter manager, nor Reinhart’s manager, could be reached for comment Monday. Reinhart was not performing at the Lamplighter Saturday, according to a bar employee.