Country Star Morgan Wallen Makes Headlines for Reckless Rooftop Ruckus
Morgan Wallen, a well-known country music artist, was arrested on Sunday night for reportedly hurling a chair from a Broadway bar. The 30-year-old Wallen was on Chief’s rooftop at around 10:45 p.m. on Sunday when witnesses saw him pick up a chair, toss it over the roof, and laugh about it, according to the arrest affidavit. The bar’s rooftop is six storeys above Broadway.
According to the affidavit, two Metro Nashville Police Department officers on Broadway stated that the chair fell three feet from them. The affidavit claims that officers validated Wallen’s claimed behaviour after speaking with witnesses and bar employees and reviewing surveillance footage.
Wallen, who was thirty years old at the time, was accused of three felonies related to reckless endangerment and one misdemeanor offence related to disorderly conduct, according to the Metro Nashville Police Department. The reason? Allegedly hurling a chair from a well-known downtown bar’s rooftop.
The Incident at Chief’s
The incident unfolded at Chief’s, a recently opened six-story establishment owned by country music artist Eric Church. The rooftop offered scenic views of Nashville’s bustling Broadway district, a popular spot for tourists and locals alike.
Details about Wallen’s presence at Chief’s that night remain hazy, but reports suggest he was there with friends. According to police, Wallen allegedly decided to hurl a chair from the rooftop perch sometime on Sunday night. Thankfully, the chair missed its mark on any unsuspecting pedestrians below. However, the affidavit obtained by CNN states it landed a mere three feet from two police officers on patrol on Broadway. This close call prompted a swift response from law enforcement.
A Troubled Past
The occurrence rekindled discussions on the country music star’s complicated past. In 2021, Wallen was involved in a different kind of scandal just two years earlier. He was shown using a racial slur in a video that went viral, which caused a considerable uproar. His career prospects were severely damaged; his record label suspended him, and his songs were removed from radio stations and streaming services.
The harm was substantial, even if he later apologized and received sensitivity training. This event with the rooftop chair felt like another hit to Wallen’s reputation. Social media was ablaze with criticism, with many people raising concerns about his behavior and casting doubt on his judgment. Although Wallen’s antics appeared to have worn thin on the general public, certain admirers continued to show their support.
The Fallout and Legal Proceedings
The following days were a whirlwind for Wallen. He was released on bond, and details about the incident continued to trickle out. Security footage reportedly captured the act, though it wasn’t made public. Whether Wallen was under the influence of alcohol or drugs at the time remained unclear, though his past with public intoxication didn’t inspire confidence.
Court proceedings began, and Wallen’s legal team negotiated a plea deal. In July 2023, he pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of misdemeanor assault. He was sentenced to 30 days probation and ordered to attend anger management classes. Additionally, he had to compensate Chiefs for any damages caused by the chair.
The fallout from the incident was significant. Wallen’s reputation was further tarnished. Sponsorships were pulled, and his career growth stalled. While he continued to perform and release music, the controversy undoubtedly cast a long shadow.
A Path to Redemption
This episode was a sobering reminder of Wallen’s difficulties on his journey to atonement. Gaining the industry’s and fans’ confidence requires patience and constant good deeds. The throwing of the chair event was a severe blow that threatened the gains he’d made.
In the aftermath, Wallen remained relatively quiet publicly. There were no grand apologies or social media pronouncements. This approach, while calculated, left fans and the public wondering about his remorse and commitment to change.
As of today, April 2024, it’s too early to say what the long-term impact of this incident will be on Wallen’s career. He continues to make music and tour, but whether he can fully recapture his former glory remains to be seen. The rooftop chair incident will likely remain a footnote in his career, a cautionary tale of reckless behavior and its consequences.