Morgan Wallen, country music’s reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year, has officially ended his eight-month legal saga. On Wednesday (Dec. 11), the star pleaded guilty to two misdemeanor counts of reckless endangerment. 

As part of the plea deal, Wallen will spend seven days in a DUI education center, serve two years of supervised probation, and pay $350 in fines plus court fees. His attorney also revealed that if Wallen sticks to the terms, the charges could eventually be dismissed and wiped from his record.  

The initial charges were hefty: three counts of reckless endangerment with a deadly weapon and one count of disorderly conduct. But after some legal maneuvering, the charges were reduced to two misdemeanors. 

This marked Wallen’s first courtroom appearance in Nashville. Standing alongside his attorney, Worrick Robinson, he calmly told Judge Cynthia Chappell, “Conditionally guilty,” during the 10-minute hearing. 

It all started one April evening when Wallen decided to toss a chair off the roof of Chief’s, a six-story honky-tonk on Broadway owned by fellow country star Eric Church. The chair came dangerously close to hitting two police officers standing below, and security footage sealed Wallen’s fate. 

I didn't feel right publicly checking in until I made amends with some folks. I’ve touched base with Nashville law enforcement, my family, and the good people at Chief’s. I'm not proud of my behavior, and I accept responsibility.

— morgan wallen (@MorganWallen) April 20, 2024

“Upon the successful completion of his probation, the charges will be eligible for dismissal and expungement,” said Robinson in a written statement. “Mr. Wallen has cooperated fully with authorities throughout these last eight months, directly communicating and apologizing to all involved. Mr. Wallen remains committed to making a positive impact through his music and foundation,” he added. 

Fans are buzzing with theories that his superstar status helped him dodge harsher consequences, sparking fresh debates about celebrity privilege in the legal system.

Legal trouble aside, Wallen has had a massive year. In November, he took home the Entertainer of the Year award at the CMA Awards – arguably one of the biggest honors in country music. Although he skipped the ceremony, actor Jeff Bridges accepted the award on his behalf.  

For now, Wallen is focused on moving forward, balancing his booming career with his commitment to the court’s conditions. Fans will undoubtedly keep an eye on what’s next for the chart-topping star as he works to put this chapter behind him.  

Photo Credit: @morganwallen on Instagram.