Morgan Wallen Sentenced in Court

NASHVILLE, TN — Country music star Morgan Wallen appeared in a Nashville courtroom Thursday to finalize a plea agreement related to an April 2024 incident where he threw a chair from the rooftop of a popular Broadway bar. The chair narrowly missed two Metro Nashville police officers standing on the sidewalk below, leading to his arrest.

Wallen pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor reckless endangerment charges, avoiding the more severe felony charges initially filed against him. During the hearing, Wallen confirmed the details of the incident, stating, “Substantially yes,” when the judge asked if the facts were accurate. He also responded, “Conditionally guilty yes,” when entering his plea.

Davidson County Criminal Court Judge Cynthia Chappell sentenced Wallen to an 11-month, 29-day suspended sentence, minus seven days to be served at a DUI education center. The remaining time will be served under supervised probation. If Wallen complies with the terms of his probation, the charges may be dismissed and expunged under Tennessee’s judicial diversion statute.

The incident took place at Chief’s on Broadway, a six-story bar and restaurant owned by fellow country star Eric Church. Witnesses and security footage showed Wallen hurling a chair off the rooftop just before 11 p.m., laughing as it fell to the street below. The chair landed mere feet away from two patrolling officers. In a playful response, the bar changed its marquee the next day to read, “OUR PIGS FLY, OUR CHAIRS DON’T.”

Initially, Wallen faced three felony reckless endangerment charges—two for endangering the officers and one for the general public—along with a misdemeanor disorderly conduct charge. His defense attorney, Worrick Robinson, negotiated the plea deal with the Davidson County District Attorney’s Office, culminating in Thursday’s court appearance.

After the hearing, Robinson issued a statement emphasizing that Wallen’s plea was conditional and would not result in a conviction if he fulfills the probation requirements. The agreement includes a seven-day stay at a DUI education center, two years of probation, and a $350 fine plus court fees. Upon successful completion, the charges will be eligible for dismissal and expungement. Robinson also noted that Wallen has cooperated fully with authorities, apologized to those involved, and remains focused on making a positive impact through his music and foundation.

This case has drawn significant public attention, with Wallen, the reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year, facing scrutiny over the incident. Despite this, his defense team expressed optimism about his ability to meet the conditions of his probation and continue his career without further legal issues.