Morgan Wallen has just days until he is set to perform for the first time since his arrest.
The country singer is slated to take the stage at the University of Mississippi at the campus' Vaught-Hemingway Stadium. The concert comes after he abruptly canceled his performance at the venue last year, just minutes before he was intended to go on.
Last April's concert was halted after Wallen's openers had already performed. The "Wasted On You" singer took to his Instagram story to apologize to the audience after the cancellation, Fox News reports.
"After last night's show I started losing my voice so I spent the day resting up, talking to my doctor and working through my vocal exercises trying to get better," he disclosed. "I really thought I'd be able to take the stage and it kills me to deliver this so close to showtime, but my voice is shot and I am unable to sing."
After Wallen concluded the post by saying, "I am so sorry, I promise you guys I tried everything I could," a fan filed a lawsuit against Wallen. On behalf of ticket buyers, it sought compensatory damages. It was voluntarily dropped the next day.
As audience members left, a security guard employee at the venue stated that Wallen was "too drunk" to perform. A representative from his Big Loud record label shot down the accusation.
Now, as time is ticking leading up to the upcoming concert, many wonder if Wallen will address his arrest during the performance. When weighing his options, Seth J. Horowitz, president of a top Los Angeles entertainment marketing agency, told Fox News Digital that it would be best to stick to singing at the concert.
"Nobody with allegations against them - whether a celebrity, high profile figure or otherwise - should ever publicly discuss a legal matter," Horowitz stated. "If public comment is warranted or necessary, it should be carefully prepared and delivered by counsel."
The legal advisor went on to say that any quotes given during the show could end up being misquoted or taken out of context.
"The subject of a lawsuit commenting on their matter could lead that subject to be misconstrued or misquoted, or they could accidentally incriminate themselves or say something that does not align with their counsel's overall legal strategy."
Wallen kicked off his One Night at a Time tour in Indianapolis on April 4. The multi-city run is scheduled to feature openers like Jelly Roll, Bailey Zimmerman, Nate Smith, Jon Pardi, and more.
"While from a PR perspective, there may be a desire to address the fans directly about his arrest. When someone who is accused of a crime discusses the matter publicly, it almost always makes it more difficult for the lawyers to do their job," Alabre said. "His lawyer has already issued a statement noting that Mr. Wallen is 'cooperating fully with the authorities,' and I would leave it at that."
Another legal expert, former prosecutor Rither Alabre, also maintains that Wallen should not address the issue in his concert.
"While from a PR perspective, there may be a desire to address the fans directly about his arrest. When someone who is accused of a crime discusses the matter publicly, it almost always makes it more difficult for the lawyers to do their job," he insisted. "His lawyer has already issued a statement noting that Mr. Wallen is 'cooperating fully with the authorities,' and I would leave it at that."
Morgan Wallen will take the stage in Mississippi on Saturday, April 20.
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