Morgan Wallen, a prominent country music star, has faced several controversies and legal troubles in recent years:
- In 2021, Wallen was caught on video using a racial slur, which led to widespread backlash. He apologized publicly, and as a result, many radio stations temporarily removed his music, and his record label suspended his contract. He was also made ineligible for certain country music awards that year. Wallen later donated $300,000 to the Black Music Action Coalition as part of his efforts to make amends
- In April 2024, Wallen was arrested for throwing a chair off the roof of Chief's bar in Nashville, a venue owned by fellow country singer Eric Church. The chair landed near police officers, leading to charges of reckless endangerment (three counts, Class E felonies) and disorderly conduct (a misdemeanor). Wallen posted bond and faced potential jail time of up to six years, though legal experts expected a much shorter sentence with probation likely. He was sentenced in December 2024 to one week at a DUI education center, plus two years' probation, a $350 fine, and court fees. Wallen has publicly stated he has not been in a bar since the incident
- Despite these controversies, Wallen has maintained commercial success. His 2023 album "One Thing at a Time" broke records on the country albums chart and he was Billboard's top-performing artist on the Hot 100 chart that year
- In March 2025, Wallen made a notable appearance on Saturday Night Live but left the stage abruptly at the end of the show, which sparked some speculation. His representatives indicated it was an accidental exit and part of his usual routine
Overall, Morgan Wallen's career has been marked by both significant achievements and serious controversies, including legal issues and public backlash, but he continues to be a major figure in country music.
