Morgan Wallen’s bid to hang glowing sign outside new Nashville bar denied by vote

Nashville Council Rejects Glowing Sign for Morgan Wallen’s Bar Amid Controversy

In a surprising turn of events, the Nashville Metro Council has voted against allowing a glowing sign to be erected at Morgan Wallen’s new bar, This Bar & Tennessee Kitchen, located along the city’s neon-lit strip of honky tonks. The decision comes in light of Wallen’s recent criminal charges and his past use of a racial slur that sparked controversy in 2021.

The council voted 30-3 on Tuesday evening to reject the proposed sign, which would have hung over a public sidewalk similar to those at neighboring bars. During the debate, councilmembers condemned Wallen’s behavior, calling his comments hateful and his actions harmful. They also noted that the country star has received multiple second chances.

Wallen, who was arrested for allegedly throwing a chair off a rooftop bar in Nashville, is facing three felony counts of reckless endangerment and one misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct. The incident, which occurred at the Chief’s bar, involved Wallen throwing a chair that landed dangerously close to two police officers.

Despite the controversy surrounding Wallen, Councilmember Jacob Kupin acknowledged the efforts made by the third-party organization managing the business, TC Restaurant Group, to improve safety in downtown Nashville. Kupin emphasized that the operator should not be penalized for Wallen’s actions.

In a statement issued by Wallen, he expressed remorse for his behavior and mentioned making amends and reaching out to law enforcement. The country star’s past suspension from his label in 2021 after using a racial slur has continued to haunt him, with the council’s decision adding to the ongoing controversy surrounding his career.

The rejection of the glowing sign for Wallen’s bar echoes a similar sign controversy involving Kid Rock’s bar in 2019. Despite the setbacks, Wallen’s new establishment is set to open this weekend, albeit without the proposed sign that would have adorned the city’s bustling honky tonk strip.