Country artist Jason Aldean has recently found himself in the middle of a storm of criticism regarding his latest song and music video. The song titled "Try That in a Small Town" has faced accusations of racism and promoting lynching. In light of the backlash, Aldean has finally broken his silence and addressed the issue.
Music Video Removal and Criticism
Following the allegations of racism and pro-lynching, CMT made the decision to remove the music video for Aldean’s song "Try That in a Small Town." However, Aldean is not staying silent. He is standing up for himself and directly addressing the accusations that have been made against him.
Aldean Denies Racist Intent
Taking to social media, Aldean firmly responded to the accusations, stating, "In the last 24 hours, I have been accused of promoting a lynching song (a track released in May) and have been criticized for not being pleased with the statewide BLM rallies." He further emphasized, "These accusations are not only baseless but also dangerous."
CMT’s Lack of Explanation
While CMT has removed the music video from airplay after just three days, they have yet to provide any reasons behind their decision. This lack of transparency has left many questioning the motivations behind the removal.
Historical Significance of the Music Video
The contentious music video was filmed in front of the Maury County Courthouse in Columbia, Tennessee, a place where an African-American man named Henry Choate was lynched in the 1920s. Though not explicitly mentioned in the video, the imagery of protesters, clashes with the police, and burning American flags has further fueled the controversy.
Aldean’s Explanation of the Song
Aldean continues to defend his song, arguing that it speaks to the sense of community he experienced while growing up in a small town. He emphasizes that the lyrics do not reference race and that every video clip used in the music video is real news footage. Despite political differences, Aldean believes in the importance of coming together for a sense of normalcy.
Previous Controversies
It is worth noting that this isn’t the first time Aldean has faced criticism. In 2021, his wife, Brittany Aldean, made transphobic remarks that resulted in the musician’s public relations company severing ties with him. Aldean has also faced backlash for his response to his wife’s comments.
Tour Delay
Adding to the challenges he is currently facing, Aldean has experienced health issues which led to him being hospitalized for heatstroke on the second day of his Highway Desperado tour. As a result, there has been a delay in his appearance. The concert venue has assured fans that the show will be rescheduled.
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