Darius Rucker has called on the country music establishment to forgive Morgan Wallen after he used a racial slur in 2021, saying that the superstar has “become a better person”.
In a new interview on Rolling Stone’s Music Now podcast, Rucker stated that Wallen should be recognised in the CMAs and ACM Awards as “no one’s selling more tickets” than him.
“I think Morgan’s become a better person since that,” Rucker said about Wallen using a racial slur in 2021. “I’ve known Morgan a long time. Since all that happened, Morgan’s tried to really better himself and become a better person and see the world in a much better way.”
Rucker continued, “And you know, he’s not forgiven. He’s still not out for CMAs and ACMs. They can say what they want, but the fact that Morgan Wallen is not up for Entertainer of the Year and those things is crazy. No one’s selling more tickets than Morgan.”
Video footage of Wallen using the N-word surfaced on social media back in 2021, and Wallen immediately apologised in a statement: “I’m embarrassed and sorry. I used an unacceptable and inappropriate racial slur that I wish I could take back.
“There are no excuses to use this type of language, ever. I want to sincerely apologize for using the word. I promise to do better.”
At the time, Wallen was embroiled in controversy. However, that seems to have passed, with Wallen locking in a collaboration with Post Malone, having a spectacular 2023 and becoming one of the most streamed artists on the planet.
Here in Australia, he surpassed Billy Ray Cyrus’ record for the longest-running #1 ARIA single with Last Night and made a trip down under for CMC Rocks.
While Wallen remains beloved by his fans, he found himself in trouble earlier this year after allegedly throwing a chair from the sixth floor of Eric Church’s bar.
Addressing the incident, Wallen wrote on social media, “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 Chiefs. I'm not proud of my behavior, and I accept responsibility.”
In a follow-up post, Wallen added, “I have the utmost respect for the officers working every day to keep us all safe. Regarding my tour, there will be no change.”
Wallen recently opened his own bar in Nashville, but the lead-up to the grand opening was affected by a different controversy: council members denying the massive signage designed for the bar.
Last year, Rucker recalled early conversations with radio executives where he was told he’d never make it as a Black country singer.
“When I started doing the radio stations and stuff, I had people say to me, to my face, ‘My audience would never accept a Black country singer,’” Rucker revealed.
Countrytown brings you Australia’s best country music news, interviews, charts and more every week! This post was authored by Countrytown and originally published on the Countrytown website. It has been re-published with permission.
