Are you rethinking your tattoo decisions? That was the text I received from a friend this morning. I laughed. Morgan Wallen signed my arm when I met him in 2022 and I had his autograph permanently inked on my arm! While it seems silly–that tattoo (my husband has one too), represents an awesome memory for us. And it makes for a great story.

Earlier this morning, Morgan was arrested for throwing a chair off of Eric Church’s rooftop bar in Nashville. And while I’m disappointed, I’m still a Morgan Wallen fan. If I can be a fan after his weekend binge a few years ago where he uttered the “N” word, I think it’s safe to say that I’m still a fan. I might be a disappointed fan, but still a fan. 

I’m sure that Morgan is feeling like a fool this morning. But, honestly, there won’t be much of a consequence as a result of his foolishness. In fact, he may very well continue to rise in popularity-–as if that were possible. It seems that when Morgan gets in trouble, his fans fan harder. 

After after that “N” word incident in 2021 I chatted with Jensen Sussman and Seth England; Jensen was Morgan’s publicist at the time and England is co-founder of Big Loud Records, the label who signed Morgan. After talking with both of them, I believed he wasn’t an awful person—in fact he’s a nice guy. And after having the chance to meet Morgan Wallen, he really does present as a pretty humble and likable guy. 

However, I think the lifestyle of being a celebrity takes hold of him and he simply does some dumb shit. It seems that Morgan hasn’t quite learned or maybe is not quite ready to accept the responsibility that comes with being a celebrity. Or maybe he has a drinking problem or maybe he just lets things get out of hand when he’s having fun.

Whatever the case, let’s hope he learns from this. I do not think his actions that night depict who he is. Let’s see how Morgan navigates this latest controversy.

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About the Author:

Michelle Osterhoudt is a school administrator, mom, wife and former small town newspaper columnist who enjoys going to concerts with her husband. She can be reached at osterhoudtmichelle@yahoo.com