Former "Jackass" star Bam Margera has pleaded guilty to disorderly conduct following an incident involving assaulting his brother and making threats to family members in April 2023.
Fox News reported that Margera is now on probation for six months and must undergo random drug testing, with a strong warning to stay clean to avoid imprisonment.
The incident took place at Margera's home in Pocopson Township, Pennsylvania.
According to court records, Margera punched his brother, Jesse, in the face and fled the scene. Jesse claimed that Margera woke him by banging and kicking his locked bedroom door before the altercation escalated.
Jesse found a threatening note from Margera and witnessed him urinating in the sink.
The situation quickly turned violent, with Margera becoming aggressive, punching Jesse, and grabbing his arm. This altercation resulted in Jesse suffering a ruptured eardrum. Their father, Phil, was also identified as a victim in the incident.
Following the assault, Margera fled, leading to a manhunt. He eventually surrendered to authorities.
During the court hearing, Margera's troubling behavior over the past two decades was discussed, including instances of him being awake for days at a time.
The incident that led to Margera's arrest began when his girlfriend called the police after he kicked in her bedroom door. This prompted law enforcement to take action, culminating in Margera's eventual surrender.
In court, Margera's mother, April, and father, Phil, stood by him, expressing their support. Margera's defense attorney, William J. Brennan, stated that Margera had pleaded guilty to two summary offenses. Brennan also mentioned that Margera has been clean, sober, and productive since his arrest.
Margera acknowledged his arrest as a turning point in his life. "I would go on drinking benders and it was not good," Margera said. "I would end up in some crazy situations. It actually took that knowing that if I p--- hot, I’m going to jail and I don’t want that. It really helped and now that I've done this amount of time, I don't want to go back to that lifestyle."
Jesse Margera also commented on his brother's struggles, saying, "He’s a good dude when he’s not messed up." This sentiment was echoed by their mother, April, who said, "We all love him and just want him to do great. He’s been through a lot in his life. He’s had a lot of access, and he’s had a lot of power, and it’s hard to come down from that."
As part of his plea deal, Margera will serve six months of probation and be subject to random drug testing. This measure is aimed at ensuring he remains sober and avoids any future legal issues. Brennan praised Margera's progress, stating, "You can really say he won his case before today just by turning his life around."
Margera's case has drawn significant public attention, given his history as a prominent figure in the "Jackass" franchise and his well-documented struggles with substance abuse. His legal troubles have been a stark contrast to his once-celebrated career as a professional skateboarder and television personality.
Throughout the legal proceedings, Margera's family has remained supportive. His mother, April, emphasized their collective hope for his recovery and success. "We all love him and just want him to do great," she reiterated during the court hearing.
Margera, reflecting on his past behavior, admitted that his lifestyle had led him into numerous problematic situations. He expressed a desire to leave that lifestyle behind, stating that the prospect of imprisonment was a significant motivator for him to stay clean.
In summary, Bam Margera's plea deal marks a critical juncture in his life, as he acknowledges his past mistakes and commits to a path of sobriety and responsibility.
The support of his family and the conditions of his probation aim to help him maintain this positive trajectory. With his legal issues now addressed, Margera faces a new chapter focused on personal growth and recovery.
