Ariana Grande‘s dad, Edward C. Butera, has a less-than-impressive driving record, according to a RadarOnline.com investigation. Court documents obtained by RadarOnline.com show that Butera, 64, has been caught seven times for various driving infractions in and around Boca Raton, Miami, and the Florida Keys.
One incident occurred two months ago in Plantation Key, where Butera was allegedly using a blinding auxiliary headlight on his 2014 Jeep while driving on U.S. 1 Highway. In 2019, just before Ariana reconciled with her estranged father, he was charged with leaving the scene of an accident after a one-car crash in Boca Raton.
Butera initially pleaded not guilty, but later changed his plea to guilty and was sentenced to 15 hours of community service, a defensive driving course, and fined $100. He has a history of run-ins with the law, including speeding tickets and a failure to obey a stop sign in Miami.
Ariana and her dad are rebuilding their relationship
Despite their difficulties, Ariana and her father have managed to rebuild their relationship. Ariana expressed her gratitude for having both parents present during Thanksgiving in 2019, emphasizing the importance of accepting and loving someone despite differences.
Even Ariana herself has had a taste of car accidents. In 2014, she got into a fender bender while driving in Los Angeles. The collision occurred when another driver whipped around a corner while Ariana was driving slowly. Her Range Rover suffered significant damage, but luckily no one was seriously injured. During the exchange with the other driver, Ariana mentioned her career as a singer, while the other lady mentioned a possible broken leg. In a lighthearted response, Ariana joked about making jewelry.
Despite their road-related mishaps, Ariana and her father have embraced their connection. As Ariana puts it, “So much of me comes from my father, and for so long, I didn’t like that about myself. I had to accept that it’s okay not to get along with somebody and still love them.”