Morgan Wallen, theCountry Music Association’s Entertainer of the Year, has officially reached a plea agreement related to an incident in which he threw a chair from a Nashville bar in April. On Thursday, Wallen pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor charges of reckless endangerment. As part of this plea deal, he will spend seven days in an alcohol rehabilitation center and will be on probation for the remainder of a two-year sentence.
This court appearance marked Wallen’s first session addressing the charges stemming from his April 7 arrest. It was reported that the 31-year-old country star was captured on video throwing the chair from the upper levels of Eric Church’s bar, known as Chief’s, during its opening weekend. The chair, which fell six stories, landed perilously close to two Metro Nashville police officers who were conducting a foot patrol in the area.
During the hearing, Wallen displayed minimal emotion as the prosecution outlined the details of his conduct. He primarily provided brief responses to the judge’s questions, and neither he nor his attorney, Worrick Robinson, commented on the gravity of Wallen’s actions as they arrived at the courthouse.
Initially charged with three felony counts of reckless endangerment, Wallen’s plea deal resulted in two misdemeanors. If he adheres to the terms of this agreement, he could have his record expunged upon completion. Additionally, Wallen is required to pay a $350 fine along with court costs.
Following the hearing, Robinson stated, “Mr. Wallen has cooperated fully with authorities throughout these last eight months, directly communicating and apologizing to all involved. Mr. Wallen remains committed to making a positive impact through his music and foundation.”
As Wallen was escorted out of the courthouse by sheriff’s deputies and private security, it remains unclear when he will begin his stint at the DUI education center.
This situation serves as a reminder about the responsibilities that come with a public platform, and the potential for personal growth that can arise from learning and overcoming challenges. With his commitment to positive contributions, fans may hope to see Wallen channel this experience into a deeper connection through his music in the future.