He technically wasn't a wife beater and there were only accusations by his then girlfriend Tanya Tucker years after the fact, but no charges were ever filed. They were both coked up and drunk out of their minds during their 2 year relationship and there were always stories of them fighting constantly although nothing physical. He was also 45 at the time and she was 21. She was also a well known druggie and drinker from her early teens. She used to brag about kicking guys asses and drinking them under the table.
I'm not giving him a pass, but it was more of a he said/she said situation and without hard evidence I try not to assume anything.