Morgan Wallen is facing consequences for his actions after an unsettling incident earlier this year that involved throwing a chair from a rooftop in Nashville. The country music star was sentenced on December 12 to seven days in a DUI education center, months after being arrested for the bizarre event. Along with the seven days of incarceration, Wallen, 31, was also handed two years of probation—one year for each of his reckless endangerment charges. He must also pay a $350 fine, as well as court fees.
Wallen’s attorney, Worrick Robinson IV, issued a statement on his client’s behalf, acknowledging that the singer had fully cooperated with authorities during the months-long process. “Mr. Wallen has communicated directly and apologetically with everyone involved. He remains committed to making a positive impact through his music and foundation,” Robinson shared.
The “One Thing at a Time” singer’s legal troubles began on April 7, when he was arrested after allegedly throwing a chair from the rooftop of Chief’s Bar, a popular six-story venue in Nashville. This reckless act led to charges of three counts of reckless endangerment and disorderly conduct, as confirmed by court records. The Nashville police officers on the scene observed the chair plummeting to the street below, and shortly thereafter, Wallen was taken into custody.
The incident, which occurred at the height of Wallen’s career, sent shockwaves through the country music community. Sources told PEOPLE that Wallen wasn’t expected at the bar’s grand opening, and his time at the venue was brief. “Morgan is generally a fun and nice person to hang out with, but when he gets going, he doesn’t know when to stop,” one insider revealed. “Morgan and alcohol is a problem, and it’s one that keeps resurfacing.”
Despite the severity of the charges, Wallen’s legal team negotiated a plea deal, with the country singer pleading conditionally guilty as part of a judicial diversion arrangement. Under the terms of this deal, if Wallen successfully completes his probation, his charges will be eligible for dismissal and expungement, giving him a chance to move forward without a permanent criminal record.
Wallen’s last court appearance was in May, where his attorney appeared on his behalf, and the case was postponed several times before this December hearing. Robinson explained that the case was complex and would require subpoenas and witness testimonies to move forward. “This is obviously a very complicated case and it’s not going to resolve itself easily,” Robinson said after the August hearing.
The series of delays only added to the tension surrounding the case. “Several things can happen—whether it’s a hearing, a settlement, or further continuations,” Robinson told reporters. But now, with the sentencing handed down in December, Wallen’s legal troubles appear to be reaching their conclusion.
In a statement issued shortly after his arrest, Wallen expressed remorse for his actions. “I didn’t feel right publicly checking in until I made amends with some folks,” he wrote on his X account (formerly Twitter). “I’ve touched base with Nashville law enforcement, my family, and the good people at Chief’s. I’m not proud of my behavior, and I accept responsibility. I have the utmost respect for the officers working every day to keep us all safe.”
This wasn’t Wallen’s first run-in with the law, as he had been previously arrested for public intoxication in May 2020. Despite these incidents, the star has continued to enjoy success, including being named Entertainer of the Year at the 2024 CMA Awards. However, Wallen was noticeably absent from the ceremony, raising questions about why he wasn’t present to accept his prestigious award.
While the chair-throwing incident remains a stain on his career, Wallen seems determined to make amends. His success at the 2024 CMAs and his ongoing popularity show that fans are still supportive, but his legal troubles highlight the importance of personal responsibility in an era where public figures are under intense scrutiny.
As Wallen navigates the final stages of his probation, it’s clear that the country star has learned some tough lessons. With a public apology already issued and his commitment to positive change, the next chapter of Wallen’s career will likely be defined not just by his music but by how he handles the aftermath of this controversy.
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