Newly released bodycam footage has brought to light the arrest of country music star Morgan Wallen in April 2024. The Nashville police footage captures key moments leading up to Wallen’s encounter with law enforcement following an incident at Chief’s on Broadway, a six-story bar in Nashville, Tennessee.
Incident Overview
Wallen’s arrest was sparked by allegations of reckless endangerment after a chair was reportedly thrown from the rooftop of the bar. The bodycam footage was released in response to a public records request by The Associated Press.
Key Events from the Arrest
- Date of Arrest: April 2024
- Location: Chief’s on Broadway, Nashville, Tennessee
- Charges: Reckless endangerment
The footage shows Wallen being confronted by police just inside the bar. An individual claiming to be Wallen’s bodyguard can be heard insisting that Wallen did not throw the chair and questioning the officers’ allegations. Wallen himself stated, “I don’t know what they are,” expressing confusion over the situation.
Bodycam Footage Insights
As officers tried to investigate, Wallen attempted to leave the scene, only to be stopped by police. He reportedly called fellow country artist Eric Church, co-owner of the bar, to express his frustration about the arrest. Wallen informed Church that police were attempting to detain him outside the bar.
When asked by police about the incident, Wallen appeared cooperative but denied wrongdoing, stating, “I ain’t done nothing wrong.” Officers informed him they had video evidence of him throwing the chair from the rooftop, which eventually led to his handcuffing.
Legal Consequences
Two weeks following the incident, Wallen accepted accountability for his actions via social media, stating, “I’m not proud of my behavior, and I accept responsibility.” In December, he pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor counts of reckless endangerment. The court sentenced him to seven days at a DUI education center, along with two years of probation.
Conclusion
The bodycam footage offers a detailed account of the altercation between Wallen and law enforcement, revealing his perspective during the arrest. Despite the serious nature of the events, Wallen’s demeanor in the police footage highlights his reluctance to acknowledge the gravity of the situation as he mentioned his excitement about his music playing on the radio while in custody.
