Country music sensation Zach Bryan is facing public scrutiny after a video of his recent arrest went viral.
Watch the video of the arrest below
The 27-year-old artist was arrested last week following a confrontation with an Oklahoma State Trooper during a traffic stop involving his bodyguard. Despite issuing a swift apology for his behavior, which garnered some praise from the National Police Association, the video has added a new layer of complexity to the situation.
The incident began when an Oklahoma Highway Patrol cruiser pulled over Bryan's bodyguard. Bryan, known for hits like "Something In The Orange," stepped out of his vehicle to smoke a cigarette and defied a direct order to return to his car.
This led to his arrest and a subsequent tirade against the arresting officer, where he claimed connections to politicians and the county sheriff in Tulsa.
The video footage, now public, shows Bryan complaining about the tightness of the handcuffs and questioning the need for his arrest. He even told the trooper,
"This is why people do not like police officers." When asked why he was so irate, his bodyguard explained that Bryan was under a lot of "pressure because of his fame."
After realizing the gravity of his situation, Bryan's tone changed. He admitted to being "a smartass" and apologized.
He was booked into an Oklahoma jail and released on a $2,500 bond the same day. Following his release, he issued a heartfelt apology that seemed to resonate with the National Police Association.
Sgt. Betsy Brantner Smith, a spokesperson for the Association, noted that while people often say and do stupid things, Bryan's quick and sincere apology was rare, especially among celebrities.
In a later Twitter post, Bryan acknowledged his behavior, stating, "I was a complete spoiled asshole to these police officers and I'll spend the next few weeks trying my best to right my wrongs."
Watch the video of the arrest below
