CAMDEN, Maine — A state judge has approved the dismissal of a temporary protection order granted last week against renowned singer/songwriter Don McLean.
Judge Susan Sparaco approved the dismissal Monday in Knox County Unified Court after a joint written request was made by the woman who said she was assaulted and by McLean.
This means there will be no hearing on Thursday as previously scheduled to determine whether a permanent protection from abuse order would be put in place.
The dismissal does not affect the criminal charge against McLean. The initial hearing on his criminal charge is scheduled for Feb. 22, though the district attorney’s office has yet to file the formal complaint.
McLean was arrested by Camden police on Jan. 18 at his Hope Road home, and he was 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 woman is not being named by the Bangor Daily News because she is the alleged victim of domestic violence.
On Sunday, McLean’s attorney, Walter McKee, announced the agreement by the two parties.
“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.”
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 Sunday. She said she did not realize that the statement she submitted to the court to obtain the temporary protective order would be made public.
“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 said. “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.”
The alleged victim had written in her request for the temporary order 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.
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.