A criminal case against Morgan Wallen for allegedly throwing a chair off the roof of a six-story bar in Nashville is moving forward after an initial court hearing on Friday (May 3).
Warwick Robinson's attorney appeared on the star's behalf before a Nashville judge, who set a new court date for August 15. The hearing did not include a plea and Wallen had waived his right to appear in person, but Robinson said the star himself would be at the next hearing.
“This is obviously a very complicated case and it's not going to resolve itself without subpoenas and witnesses,” Robinson told the media after the hearing. “The state will call witnesses and we will work on the case until the end. Morgan will be here on August 15th and many things can happen in the case. We may have a hearing, we may settle the case, or the case may continue. These are the options.”
Wallen, who is in the midst of three sold-out headlining shows at Nashville's Nissan Stadium on his One Night at a Time tour this weekend, was arrested in Nashville on April 7 in connection with the chair-throwing incident. Two Nashville Metro police officers were reportedly standing in the street below Chief's on Broadway, owned by country singer Eric Church, when the chair landed about three feet from the officers. Police then spoke with staff and witnesses and viewed security footage to confirm Wallen's alleged actions.
After the arrest, the country star was charged with three felony counts of reckless endangerment and one misdemeanor count of disorderly conduct.
“I am not proud of my conduct and accept responsibility,” Wallen said in a statement on April 19. “I have the utmost respect for the officers who work every day to keep us all safe. As far as my tour is concerned, there will be no change.”
Speaking to the media after Friday's hearing, Robinson confirmed there is surveillance footage of the incident, which he has seen. He also addressed the issue of the police report, noting that Wallen was seen “laughing” after the incident. “As you all know, you can't always believe what you read, and I haven't seen anything to suggest that at all, so I have no proof that this is correct.”
Asked by the media if he would prefer to settle the case, Robinson said: “These cases are always complicated and you just never know what's going to happen. As a lawyer, all you can do is be prepared and so will the prosecution. Everybody's going to prepare like it's going to be an audition, but I think everybody generally wins if you can work it out in a way that everybody can live with.”
Robinson also responded to the media who asked if Wallen was denying throwing the chair, saying, “I think he's said he takes responsibility for what he's done … We're not required to make a plea of any kind. But you have read his words and I think you understand them clearly.'
On Friday night (May 3), Wallen continues with the second of three sold-out shows at Nissan Stadium as part of his One Night at a Time tour.
Help provided by Bill Donahue
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