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Country singer Bryan Martin has addressed his recent onstage conduct after police said they “forcibly escorted” him out of his concert when he “displayed signs of intoxication and erratic behavior.”
The Rensselaer County Sheriff’s Office (RCSO) said in a news release that Martin, 37, was removed from the stage during his show at the Schaghticoke Fairgrounds in New York on Friday, Aug. 29.
In a video posted on social media of the incident, Martin can be seen shouting, and police then gather around him as he confronts them, before officers carry him away from the area.
“Due to his impaired state, he became resistant and had to be forcibly escorted out,” the RCSO said. “At first, what appeared to be an act of aggression understandably caused concern among fans and event organizers. However, in the hours following the incident, Mr. Martin acknowledged that he is struggling with alcoholism. This admission shifts the perspective from one of conflict to one of compassion.”
On Saturday, Aug. 30, Martin addressed the incident in a post on Instagram, opening up about his struggles and apologizing to fans.
“Sorry I let y’all down tonight … truth is I’m not ok … been hitting it hard for a while and haven’t took time to be honest with myself about my mental health,” he wrote, adding, ”I miss my babies and my family … but lately I’ve learned I let my fragile mind override my heart at times and tonight it got the best of me.”
Martin continued, “I apologize for the bad days … but I’m grateful for the countless good nights we’ve shared this year. It’s been the most consistent streak I’ve seen in years.”
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The singer then vowed to “slow down” and “get back to writing songs and getting the help I need” amid his personal struggles.
“I’m not ever proud when I reach for another drink,” Martin said. “[I] hope y’all can find it in you to forgive me and hope I can be a better version of myself.”
Sheriff Kyle Bourgault also addressed the incident in a statement.
“Our deputies handled the situation professionally and without injury to anyone involved. But the larger issue is not the resistance we encountered — it is the battle Mr. Martin himself is facing,” Bourgault said.
“My hope is that Mr. Martin receives the resources and support he needs to overcome this struggle and continue to share his gift of music with fans in a healthier way,” he added.
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.
