Country artist Morgan Wallen pleaded guilty Thursday to two misdemeanor counts of reckless endangerment in a Davidson County courtroom, stemming from an April incident in which he threw a chair off the sixth-floor balcony of Chief’s, Eric Church’s bar in downtown Nashville.
Wallen, who appeared in court wearing a gray blazer alongside his attorney and security, was sentenced to two years of probation and seven days at a DUI education center. The charges had been reduced from the original counts, which included three Class E felonies for reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon (the chair) and one misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct.
The Thursday hearing followed a Dec. 10 court date, which Wallen did not attend. During that hearing, his attorney, Worrick Robinson, waived Wallen’s right to a preliminary hearing and a grand jury.
In a statement following the hearing, Robinson said Wallen entered a conditional plea under Tennessee’s Diversion Statute, which does not result in a conviction. The plea agreement requires Wallen to complete his probation and education program, pay a $350 fine and court fees, and makes the charges eligible for dismissal and expungement upon successful completion.
“Mr. Wallen has cooperated fully with authorities throughout these last eight months, directly communicating and apologizing to all involved,” Robinson said. “Mr. Wallen remains committed to making a positive impact through his music and foundation.”
The court appearance comes three weeks after Wallen was named Entertainer of the Year at the CMA Awards on Nov. 20.