PHILADELPHIA, PENNSYLVANIA: A Pennsylvania judge decided on Thursday, July 27 that 'Jackass' actor Bam Margera must go to trial following a brawl with his brother, Jess Margera, in May 2023. The judge also mandated that the actor must undergo a drug and alcohol test in order to remain free on bond. According to Jess, Bam's behavior got out of hand, leading to a "frightening and unpredictable" two-week visit home in April.
As per Fox News, the actor entered a not-guilty plea to one count of simple assault, four counts of making terroristic threats, and harassment. He was released on a $50,000 bond on Thursday and revealed that he had been receiving drug and alcohol treatment all year while staying with former Los Angeles Lakers player Lamar Odom. By the end of Thursday's hearing, which was extended due to Bam's delayed flight from California, both parties appeared to be concerned with ensuring that he continues to receive treatment.
Who is Jess Margera?
Jess Margera is the older brother of professional skateboarder and TV personality Bam Margera. Born on August 28, 1978, he grew up in West Chester, Pennsylvania. Jess gained prominence as the drummer of his rock band CKY, which he co-founded in 1998. Margera collaborated with Deron Miller, a former CKY vocalist and guitarist in the band Foreign Objects before joining the group, and has since performed with Viking Skull, Gnarkill, The Company Band, and Fuckface Unstoppable. Jess has also made appearances in the CKY video series 'Viva La Bam' and 'Jackass' alongside his brother Bam.
According to his IMDb profile, Jess is also an actor best known for the films 'Return to Sleepaway Camp' (2008), 'Cradle 2 the Grave' (2003), and 'Jackass the Game' (2007). He and Kelly Margera have been married since October 29, 2005, and are parents to three children.
Speaking of his brother's battle with drug addiction, Jess previously opened up in an emotional Instagram story, where he shared a picture of him and Bam together and wrote, "I hope none of you have to hurt as much as me right now. He is dying and there is nothing I can do about it."
What happened between Bam and Jess?
According to Jess, the alleged assault took place after Bam read a text message suggesting he required mental health therapy. The actor, 43, is accused of punching Jess in the nose and ear, rupturing his eardrum. In the incident at their suburban Philadelphia home, the 'Jackass' actor hit his brother in the face before fleeing on foot, Pennsylvania State Police reported at the time while announcing criminal charges.
Jess' girlfriend immediately contacted the police after Bam kicked down her door, per Jess. When officers came, the actor allegedly "fled the residence on foot to the rear of the property through a dense wooded area." At the time, there was a reported "domestic-in-progress" complaint, and police were called to Bam's house in Pocopson Township, Chester County. Eventually, Bam turned himself in to the authorities.
"I’m not trying to get him in trouble here," Jess said about his brother's behavior, which he described as disturbing for two decades, saying, "I just want him to get the help because I feel like this is our last chance." The accusations that Bam threatened to shoot members of his family and wrote a threatening note to his brother led the prosecution to agree to drop two of four counts of making terroristic threats. Both the brother and the prosecution denied that Bam had any access to a gun.
After the 'Jackass' actor attacked him, Jess stated on April 30 that he could have "permanent hearing damage." Later, the 44-year-old drummer for CKY noted that in addition to his legal action, Bam could also be sued by "every band member from every band [sic] lost income from canceling, crew members, tour bus companies, management commissions, concert promoters, booking agencies and accountants."