Nashville councilmembers have rejected plans for a glowing sign to be erected at Morgan Wallen’s new bar along the city’s neon-lit strip of honky tonks, citing his use of a racial slur in 2021 and recent criminal charges accusing him of throwing a chair off a rooftop near police officers. The Nashville Metro Council voted 30-3 against the proposed sign at This Bar & Tennessee Kitchen, set to open this weekend. The sign would have hung over a public sidewalk, requiring local government approval, and typically this process is not controversial, but due to Wallen’s behavior, it faced intense scrutiny.
During the debate, councilmembers called Wallen’s comments hateful and his actions harmful, with some referring to the multiple second chances he has received. Councilmember Delishia Porterfield, who is Black, expressed her disapproval of seeing a billboard with Wallen’s name considering his recent actions. Councilmember Jacob Kupin presented the proposal for the sign but expressed his internal struggle due to Wallen’s behavior. Kupin thanked the third-party organization managing the business, TC Restaurant Group, for their efforts to make downtown Nashville safer.
The Associated Press reached out to Wallen’s publicist and TC Restaurant Group seeking comment on the council’s vote, but no response was received. Kupin stated that putting someone’s name up on a bar does not equate to condoning all of their behavior, but acknowledged the positive response and efforts to make amends. Wallen’s criminal case hearing was postponed until August 15, with charges of three felony counts of reckless endangerment and one misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct related to the incident of throwing a chair off a building. In a statement, Wallen accepted responsibility for his actions and mentioned making amends and touching base with law enforcement.
Wallen’s album “One Thing at a Time” was a major success, spending 16 weeks at the top of the Billboard 200 and becoming the most-consumed album in the US in 2023. Hit songs from the album included “Last Night,” “You Proof,” and “Thinkin’ Bout Me.” However, in 2021, Wallen was suspended indefinitely from his label after a video surfaced showing him using a racial slur, which he later admitted was ignorant. Kid Rock’s bar, located near Wallen’s new establishment, was previously the site of a sign controversy with some councilmembers objecting to the design featuring a giant guitar shaped like a woman’s buttocks. Despite initial objections, the sign was ultimately approved.
The decision by Nashville councilmembers to reject the proposed sign at Morgan Wallen’s new bar was largely influenced by his past behavior, which includes using racial slurs and facing criminal charges. Despite his success in the music industry, Wallen has faced backlash and consequences for his actions, leading to his suspension from his label and the rejection of signage for his new business. The councilmembers expressed concerns about condoning such behavior by allowing a sign to display Wallen’s name prominently in a public space. Ultimately, the decision reflects the council’s commitment to holding individuals accountable and promoting a safe and inclusive environment in Nashville’s entertainment district.
The controversy surrounding Morgan Wallen’s behavior highlights the importance of accountability and responsibility in the public eye, especially for public figures with a platform and influence. While Wallen has faced consequences for his actions, such as legal charges and industry repercussions, the rejection of the sign proposal marks another step in ensuring that individuals are held to a certain standard of behavior, particularly when it comes to inclusion and respect. The decision made by the Nashville Metro Council sends a strong message about the values and priorities of the city, emphasizing the importance of upholding a safe and welcoming environment for all residents and visitors, free from discrimination and harmful behavior.
In conclusion, the rejection of the glowing sign proposal for Morgan Wallen’s new bar in Nashville represents a broader conversation about accountability, consequences, and promoting a culture of respect and inclusion in the entertainment industry and beyond. By taking a stand against behavior deemed harmful and unacceptable, the Nashville Metro Council underscores its commitment to upholding values of equity, diversity, and safety in the city’s vibrant nightlife scene. As individuals continue to navigate complex issues of race, behavior, and societal norms, decisions such as this serve as important markers of progress and reflection on the responsibilities that come with influence and visibility.
