Actor Mark Wahlberg's pardon request in Massachusetts remains on hold.
"His petition is pending," said Charlene Bonner of the Parole Board on Wednesday.
Bonner appeared before the Governor's Council -- an eight-member panel that votes on commutations and pardons recommended by the governor -- as part of a "public policy forum."
Jen Caissie of the Governor's Council asked about the Wahlberg application. She said she heard the song "Good Vibrations" on the way into the meeting, prompting her to ask the question.
The former member of the music group Marky Mark and the Funky Bunch, who grew up in Dorechester, is one of 300 people who have a pending application for a pardon or commutation, according to Bonner.
Wahlberg submitted his request to the Parole Board in November, asking them to wipe away an assault and battery, and drug possession conviction.The actor, now 43, was convicted of assault as a teen for a 1988 attack that left another man blind in one eye. He served 45 days in prison. In an application filed in December, Wahlberg argued that a pardon would serve as a "formal recognition that someone like me can receive official public redemption if he devotes himself to personal improvement and a life of good works."
But at least one victim and a former prosecutor have come out publicly against his bid, saying the record should stand given the severity of the case.
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Bonner indicated that the delay in considering the request is related to the gubernatorial transition. When asked by Michael Albano of the Governor's Council if the board's process was on hold due to Gov. Charlie Baker not issuing any guidelines so far, she said said, "Correct."
