Former "Jackass" star Bam Margera is headed to trial following a dispute with his brother in May. A Pennsylvania judge issued the ruling on Thursday, also mandating that Margera undergo drug and alcohol screening as a condition of his continued bail.
Margera, who has been out on $50,000 bail, pleaded not guilty to charges including simple assault, harassment, and four counts of terroristic threats. He stated he's been residing with former NBA player Lamar Odom and has been in treatment for substance abuse this year.
Jess Margera, Bam's brother, testified about what he described as two decades of troubling behavior, culminating in a tense two-week visit in April. He claimed the altercation stemmed from a text message suggesting Bam seek mental health treatment. According to Jess, Bam reacted by physically assaulting him, causing injuries including a ruptured eardrum. Jess's girlfriend subsequently contacted the police, after which Bam reportedly fled into a wooded area before later turning himself in.
Margera's attorney, Michael van der Veen, downplayed the incident as a simple disagreement between siblings. Prosecutors dropped two of the terroristic threat charges, which allegedly involved threats against family members. While the threats included mentions of firearms, there was no indication that Margera had access to any weapons.
A significant focus of the hearing, which was delayed due to Margera's late arrival from California, was his continued treatment. Judge Albert Iacocca emphasized the importance of Margera's well-being, inquiring about his motivation for seeking help. Margera stated his desire to see his five-year-old son, Phoenix, was his primary reason.
Margera gained notoriety as part of the "Jackass" stunt crew, whose antics aired on MTV in the early 2000s.
