The embattled singer is facing domestic violence and drug charges after a dispute with his girlfriend
Wes Scantlin, the lead singer of Puddle of Mudd, has faced numerous legal challenges throughout his career. His most recent arrest occurred on March 11, 2025, in Torrance, California, following an alleged domestic dispute with his girlfriend. Police responded to reports of a fight at Scantlin’s apartment around 3:00 a.m. Upon arrival, officers observed visible marks on his girlfriend’s arms, indicating that a verbal argument had escalated into physical violence. During a subsequent search, authorities discovered a small amount of a controlled substance on Scantlin’s person. He was arrested and charged with felony domestic violence and possession of a controlled substance. After being booked into jail, Scantlin was released on bond on March 15, with court appearances scheduled for March 28 and April 15.
This incident is the latest in a series of legal troubles for Scantlin. In July 2024, he was involved in a standoff with a SWAT team in Burbank, California. The confrontation began when officers pulled him over for a traffic violation and discovered an outstanding warrant for possession of a weapon at an airport. Scantlin refused to exit his vehicle, leading to a two-hour standoff that ended with the deployment of non-lethal munitions to apprehend him.
Earlier, in February 2023, Scantlin was arrested for misdemeanor trespassing after showing up uninvited at a property he had lost to foreclosure years prior. He allegedly refused to leave and threatened the current homeowner’s maid, resulting in his arrest.
Scantlin’s legal issues date back over two decades. In 2002, he and his then-fiancée, actress Michelle Rubin, were arrested for alleged domestic violence after witnesses reported seeing them fighting on the side of a highway. In 2012, he faced charges for cocaine possession and driving under the influence in Culver City, California. That same year, he was arrested for public intoxication after causing a disturbance on a flight, leading to an emergency landing.
In 2013, Scantlin was arrested twice: once for domestic violence involving his ex-wife and later for vandalism after using a buzzsaw to destroy property on his neighbor’s patio. His erratic behavior continued in 2015 with multiple arrests for driving under the influence, including a high-speed chase in Minnesota and another DUI incident in South Dakota.
The year 2016 saw further incidents, including an arrest for vandalizing a foreclosed property he previously owned and a bizarre episode where he rigged a fake bomb to his car to deter thieves, prompting a bomb squad response and the evacuation of surrounding buildings.
In September 2017, Scantlin was arrested at Los Angeles International Airport after attempting to board a plane with a BB gun, resulting in a bail set at $850,000.
Despite these legal challenges, Puddle of Mudd has continued to produce music and tour. Their latest album, “Ubiquitous,” was released in September 2023. However, Scantlin’s ongoing legal issues and personal struggles have raised concerns among fans and the public about his well-being and the band’s future.
Puddle of Mudd was formed in 1991 in Kansas City, Missouri, by lead vocalist and guitarist Wes Scantlin. The band’s early lineup saw various changes, with Scantlin as the sole constant member. Their name reportedly originated from a practice space near the Missouri River that frequently flooded, leaving the area covered in mud.
The band’s first independent release, Stuck (1994), and its follow-up, Abrasive (1997), helped them build a local following. However, it wasn’t until the early 2000s that Puddle of Mudd would break into the mainstream rock scene.
The band’s big break came when Fred Durst of Limp Bizkit discovered a demo of their music and signed Scantlin to his label, Flawless Records (a division of Geffen). Durst helped Scantlin recruit a new lineup, including Paul Phillips(guitar), Doug Ardito (bass), and Greg Upchurch (drums).
In 2001, Puddle of Mudd released Come Clean, which became a massive success. The album produced hit singles such as “Control” – A hard-hitting track that gained them instant recognition – “Blurry,” their biggest hit, reaching No. 5 on the Billboard Hot 100 and topping the Billboard Modern Rock Tracks chart – and “She Hates Me,” rebellious breakup anthem that became a staple of early 2000s rock radio. The album sold over five million copies worldwide and established Puddle of Mudd as one of the leading post-grunge bands of the early 2000s.
Following the success of Come Clean, the band released Life on Display in 2003. While it didn’t match its predecessor’s impact, it still produced notable singles such as “Away from Me,” “Heel Over Head,” “Spin You Around.”
Despite being certified Gold, the album didn’t reach the same commercial heights, and tensions began to surface within the band.
After a hiatus, Puddle of Mudd returned in 2007 with Famous, which included singles like “Famous” and “Psycho.”The album had a more polished sound but was met with mixed reviews.
In 2009, they released Volume 4: Songs in the Key of Love & Hate, which featured “Spaceship” and “Stoned”, but by this time, their mainstream appeal had begun to fade.
They followed up with Re:(disc)overed in 2011, a covers album featuring their takes on classic rock songs.
During the 2010s, the band faced multiple setbacks, primarily due to Wes Scantlin’s legal and personal troubles. His arrests, erratic behavior, and struggles with substance abuse led to numerous canceled shows and instability in the band’s lineup.
Despite these issues, Scantlin continued to tour with various backing musicians under the Puddle of Mudd name.
After years of turbulence, Puddle of Mudd made a return with Welcome to Galvania in 2019, their first album of original material in a decade. The lead single, “Uh Oh,” reflected Scantlin’s struggles and attempts at redemption.
The band has since remained active, touring regularly and working on new music. Despite their ups and downs, Puddle of Mudd retains a dedicated fanbase and continues to be a fixture in the post-grunge and alternative rock scene.
Puddle of Mudd are still best known for their early 2000s success, with Come Clean cementing their place in rock history. Songs like “Blurry” and “She Hates Me” remain nostalgic anthems for fans of the era. While their journey has been turbulent, Wes Scantlin’s persistence has kept the band alive, ensuring their music continues to reach new generations.