CAMDEN, Maine — The woman who said she was assaulted by world renowned singer/songwriter Don McLean has agreed to drop her request for a protection order.
“The protection order case is being dismissed by agreement,” McLean’s attorney Walter McKee said Sunday evening. “Don stands by his unwavering statement from the beginning that none of what was alleged in the protection order case was true. There was never any abuse or criminal conduct by Don at all. The dismissal of the protection order case confirms that. Don is looking forward to moving beyond this and getting back to his life and his music.”
A judge will have to sign off on the agreement.
He said McLean and the woman have agreed to move forward and rebuild their lives together.
“This now becomes a private matter between two very talented people,” McKee said.
The victim also released a statement. She said she did not realize that the statement she submitted to the court to obtain the temporary protective order would be made public. The temporary order was issued by Judge Susan Sparaco on Jan. 19 based on the woman’s written statement.
“I did not intend to define Don or our relationship based solely on the events recounted in the statement. Don has a big heart. He and I had many happy times in the 30 years,” the woman stated. “I would ask everyone reading this to ignore the sensationalist, scabrous headlines and focus instead on the joy that Don, and his music, has given to so many for so long.”
McLean was arrested Jan. 18 and charged with domestic violence assault after the woman called 911. He was released on unsecured bail a few hours after being taken to the Knox County Jail in Rockland.
The criminal charge against McLean has not been dropped. McKee said McLean is pleading not guilty.
The alleged victim wrote that McLean had terrorized her for four hours from Sunday night until Monday morning and that she feared for her life before she managed to lock herself in a bathroom and call 911.
She indicated that on Sunday night, “He was scaring me with the intensity of his rage and the craziness in his eyes.” When she warned him to cool down or she would call the police, he allegedly told her he wanted to “strangle you so bad” and he wanted to “deck her,” according to her statement.
In a statement issued by McLean last week he said, “There are no winners or losers, but I am not a villain.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence and would like to talk with an advocate, call 866-834-4357, TRS 800-787-3224. This free, confidential service is available 24/7 and is accessible from anywhere in Maine.