Country singer Morgan Wallen is opening a bar in Nashville called This Bar and Tennessee Kitchen. The bar is set to open over Memorial Day Weekend and will include six bars, a rooftop, and multiple music stages. However, the city’s Metro Council voted against Wallen putting up a 20-foot neon sign outside the establishment. The sign was set to read “Morgan Wallen’s This Bar,” but the council members were not in favor of promoting Wallen due to his past controversies.
The council members cited Wallen’s past indiscretions as the reason for their decision. In 2021, a video of Wallen using a racial slur surfaced online, leading to backlash and criticism. During the council meeting, it was mentioned that Wallen threw a chair from a rooftop bar, resulting in his arrest on felony counts of reckless endangerment and disorderly conduct. Some council members expressed their disapproval of Wallen’s behavior and stated that he gives a bad name to Nashville.
Wallen has not publicly responded to the council’s decision. His lawyer, Worrick Robinson, stated that Wallen was cooperating fully with authorities following his arrest but did not issue a statement until two weeks after the incident. In his statement, Wallen acknowledged his behavior, apologized, and expressed respect for law enforcement. Despite the controversy, Wallen is currently on his One Night at a Time Tour and has waived his right to appear in court, with a scheduled hearing set for August 15.
The council members’ decision to disallow Wallen from displaying outside signage for his bar reflects the impact of his past controversies on his reputation in Nashville. Despite his popularity as a country singer, Wallen’s behavior has raised concerns among city officials and residents. The council’s vote signifies a stance against promoting individuals who engage in harmful and offensive actions, highlighting the importance of accountability and consequences for public figures. Wallen’s future actions and statements will likely continue to influence public perception and the success of his new bar in Nashville.
