Country music sensation Morgan Wallen has made headlines once again, this time in response to a decision by the Nashville Metropolitan Council. The council recently denied Wallen’s request to install a 20-foot sign for his new bar, “Morgan Wallen’s This Bar and Tennessee Kitchen,” citing his past conduct as the reason for the rejection.
The council’s vote was overwhelmingly against Wallen’s proposal, with a tally of 30-3. This decision stands out, especially since many other bars in Nashville prominently feature large signs. Council member Jordan Huffman spoke out during the vote, stating, “Mr. Wallen is a fellow East Tennessean. He gives all of us a bad name. His comments are hateful; his actions are harmful.”
Huffman was referring to previous incidents involving Wallen, including an arrest for allegedly throwing a chair off a bar roof and using a racial slur in a drunken exchange years ago. Council member Delishia Porterfield echoed these sentiments, adding, “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.”
In true Morgan Wallen fashion, the country star didn’t remain silent. Instead, he took to social media to subtly fire back at the council’s decision. Wallen posted a photo on his Instagram story showing Nissan Stadium packed to the brim for one of his sold-out shows in early May. The image served as a potent reminder of his massive popularity and the unwavering support from his fans.
Idiot libs on the Nashville City Council denied @MorganWallen's new Broadway bar a permit to build a large sign with one of them saying that he "doesn't belong in this town."
— Greg Price (@greg_price11) May 23, 2024
King Wallen responded by posting on his Insta story one of the three nights he sold out Nissan Stadium. pic.twitter.com/G7Q2djZQxx
David Hookstead from OutKick pointed out the irony in the council’s move, suggesting it was more about flexing power than making a meaningful impact. He argued that denying Wallen the sign wouldn’t deter people from visiting his bar.
“Does anyone think people won’t know where Morgan Wallen’s This Bar and Tennessee Kitchen is because a sign was denied? Morgan Wallen is the most famous man in country music at the moment. People are going to flock to his venue whether it has a sign or not,” Hookstead wrote.
Despite the council’s opposition, “Morgan Wallen’s This Bar and Tennessee Kitchen” is set to open soon, and if Wallen’s loyal fan base is any indication, the new venue will be bustling with patrons. Wallen’s response highlights a broader sentiment: while politicians may disapprove of him, the general public continues to support him fervently.