Country music singer Maren Morris has revealed that she and her infant son received death threats after she publicly denounced Morgan Wallen's use of a racial slur. The incident has sparked discussions about the alarming consequences of speaking out against racism in the music industry.
Maren Morris, known for her acclaimed country hits like "The Bones," has broken her silence about the harrowing repercussions she faced following her criticism of Morgan Wallen in 2021. During an episode of Sophia Bush's "Work in Progress," she condemned Wallen's use of the N-word, an act that ignited widespread outrage.
In a candid interview, Morris shared that the backlash she endured extended beyond mere criticism. She claimed to have received explicit death threats, not only directed at her but also at her young son. This disturbing revelation underscores the serious dangers that can accompany speaking out against racism and prejudice.
Maren Morris Confesses to Receiving Death Threats After Criticizing Morgan Wallen's Racial Slur
Morris expressed her perplexity over the extreme reactions she encountered. She believes that the intense backlash stems from a misinterpretation of her intent. Her critique was not an attack on Wallen himself but a plea for the industry to hold him accountable and promote better behavior.
"I think it's because they're not only, like, defending the person that said this, but they are taking it personally, as if I'm criticizing them," Morris explained. "It says a lot more about their interpretation of criticism than me as a person calling out someone using the N-word."
Maren Morris Confesses to Receiving Death Threats After Criticizing Morgan Wallen's Racial Slur
Wallen's actions had significant consequences for his career. He was barred from attending the Academy of Country Music Awards, dropped by his record label, and his music was temporarily banned from iHeartRadio. Despite these measures, Morris believes that the industry's response was not comprehensive enough.
"The news out of Nashville tonight does not represent country music," she tweeted at the time. "It actually IS representative of our town because this isn't his first 'scuffle' and he just demolished a huge streaming record last month regardless. We all know it wasn't his first time using that word. We keep them rich and protected at all costs with no recourse."
Maren Morris Confesses to Receiving Death Threats After Criticizing Morgan Wallen's Racial Slur
Morris's comments highlight the ongoing challenges faced by women and marginalized communities who speak out against racism. The threats and vitriol she encountered underscore the need for a more tolerant and inclusive society where people can express their views without fear of reprisal.
Wallen has since issued an apology for his actions and has been working to rebuild his career. In an interview with Michael Strahan, he acknowledged the seriousness of his mistake and expressed remorse for his offensive language.
Maren Morris Confesses to Receiving Death Threats After Criticizing Morgan Wallen's Racial Slur
The incident has sparked a larger conversation about accountability and the role of artists in promoting social justice. Morris's bravery in speaking out against racism has inspired others to join the fight against all forms of discrimination.
