Morgan Wallen's Nashville Bar Sign Denied Amidst Past Controversies

Morgan Wallen's bid to display a large sign advertising his six-story Nashville bar has been denied by the Nashville Metropolitan Council due to his past controversies, including his prior use of a racial slur and allegedly throwing a chair off a Nashville rooftop.

Morgan Wallen's plans to showcase a prominent sign for his new Nashville bar, Morgan Wallen's This Bar and Tennessee Kitchen, have been met with resistance. The Nashville Metropolitan Council voted overwhelmingly to reject the display of a 20-foot sign on the downtown Nashville strip, citing concerns over the singer's past controversies.

Among the reasons cited by council members was Wallen's use of a racial slur in 2021, an incident that led to his suspension from his record label and the removal of his music from several radio stations. Council member Delishia Porterfield expressed her disapproval, stating, "I don't want to see a billboard up with the name of a person who's throwing chairs off of balconies and who is saying racial slurs."

The council also expressed concern over Wallen's alleged actions in April 2023, where he was charged with three felony counts for throwing a chair off the roof of the Chief's bar in Nashville. Council member Brenda Gadd labeled Wallen as someone who "continues to get second chances," while Jordan Huffman added, "Mr. Wallen is a fellow East Tennessean. He gives all of us a bad name. His comments are hateful; his actions are harmful."

Despite the council's decision, Wallen's bar is still set to open for Memorial Day weekend. The six-story establishment will feature six bars, a rooftop, and three live music stages. However, the absence of a significant sign on the downtown strip could potentially impact the bar's visibility and foot traffic.

Wallen's representative has not yet responded to a request for comment regarding the council's decision. The singer has previously apologized for his past behavior, acknowledging his own shortcomings. However, the recent denial of the bar sign suggests that the consequences of his actions continue to linger.

The council's decision has sparked mixed reactions. Some have supported the move, citing Wallen's past controversies and the need to hold public figures accountable for their actions. Others have questioned whether the denial of a sign is an appropriate punishment, arguing that it could potentially harm the singer's business prospects.

Legal experts have also weighed in on the matter. Wallen's lawyer, Worrick Robinson, has characterized the chair-throwing incident as "complicated" and has indicated that the case is expected to be settled through conversations between the defense and the district attorney's office.

Meanwhile, a public relations expert has suggested that the recent arrest might actually benefit Wallen's bar, arguing that it aligns with his image as a "rowdy, hard-singing, harder-drinking, good ol' boy." However, others believe that the negative publicity surrounding Wallen's controversies could ultimately have a detrimental impact on his business endeavors.

As the debate continues, Wallen's bar is set to open its doors in Nashville, albeit without the prominent sign that was initially planned. The singer's past controversies have undoubtedly cast a shadow over the bar's grand opening, and it remains to be seen how these events will ultimately affect its success.