Paramore frontwoman Hayley Williams has publicly named Morgan Wallen as the target of her criticism in a recent interview on the New York Times’ Popcast.
During the conversation, Williams was asked about the opening lyric from her song “Ego Death.” The lyric references “the biggest star at this racist country singer’s bar.” When prompted to reveal who she was referring to, Williams didn’t hesitate to respond.
“It could be a couple, but I’m always talking about Morgan Wallen,” Williams said. “I don’t give a shit. Find me at Whole Foods, bitch, I don’t care. I just don’t care.”
She continued to explain her motivation for speaking out on social issues.
“When you’re passionate about something and you really believe in something and you have the will to spread that, talk about it,” she said. “I’m never not ready to scream at the top of my lungs about racial issues. I think because it’s so intersectional, it overlaps with everything from climate change to LGBTQA+ issues.”
Williams’ pointed criticism references a controversy that rocked the country music industry in early 2021. The Los Angeles Times reported that Morgan Wallen was recorded using the N-word outside his Nashville home after a night out with friends. The video was obtained and published by TMZ. It showed him shouting the slur and other profanities while walking up his driveway.
The incident resulted in significant consequences for Wallen’s career. The Los Angeles Times noted that he was banned from the two largest country radio networks and a major TV network. His music was removed from many streaming service playlists. His record label suspended him temporarily. He was also declared ineligible for some major country music awards, including the Academy of Country Music Awards.
Wallen publicly apologized soon after the video surfaced. He posted a statement on Instagram in which he called his use of the slur “unacceptable and inappropriate.” In a 2023 interview, he discussed his mistakes and stated, “There’s no excuse” for what he said.
The controversy sparked a wide-ranging discussion in the country music community about racial sensitivity and accountability. Saving Country Music revealed that some figures in country music, including Black artists Kane Brown and Jimmie Allen, acknowledged Wallen’s wrongdoing. They suggested the media portrayal sometimes lacked context, though they still condemned the use of the slur outright.
The interview also covered topics including the state of Paramore, Williams’ solo work, and touring with Taylor Swift.
