Morgan Wallen is now reaping the consequences of using a racial slur. The 27-year-old saw his career come to a screeching halt after video appeared, via TMZ, of Wallen using the N-word when speaking to one of his friends. The incident took place after a group appeared to be arriving at his house following what seemed to be a night of partying.
Wallen’s record label, Big Loud Records, announced shortly after the video was released that his recording contract was suspended.
“In the wake of recent events, Big Loud Records has made the decision to suspend Morgan Wallen’s recording contract indefinitely,” a statement on their social media accounts reads. “Republic Records fully supports Big Loud’s decision and agrees such behavior will not be tolerated.”
— Big Loud (@BigLoud) February 3, 2021
Both iHeartRadio and Cumulus stations have also announced they will no longer play his music, including songs from his just-released Dangerous: The Double Album.
“In light of Morgan Wallen’s recent actions involving the use of a racial slur, we have made the decision to remove his music and content from our stations effective immediately,” a spokesperson from iHeartRadio told Rolling Stone.
“Team, unfortunately country music star Morgan Wallen was captured on video Sunday evening using a racial slur,” a memo went out to all Cumulus stations (via Variety). “Effective immediately we request that all of Morgan Wallen’s music be removed from our playlists without exception. More to follow.”
CMT also announced that they are pulling all of Wallen’s music from their platforms.
“After learning of Morgan Wallen’s racial slur late last night, we are in the process of removing his appearances from all our platforms,” CMT tweeted. “We do not tolerate or condone words and actions that are in direct opposition to our core values that celebrate diversity, equity & inclusion.”
After learning of Morgan Wallen’s racial slur late last night, we are in the process of removing his appearances from all our platforms. We do not tolerate or condone words and actions that are in direct opposition to our core values that celebrate diversity, equity & inclusion.
— CMT (@CMT) February 3, 2021
Several country artists have spoken out against Wallen’s actions, including Mickey Guyton, Maren Morris and Kelsea Ballerini.
“When I read comments saying ‘this is not who we are’ I laugh because this is exactly who country music is,” Guyton tweeted. “I’ve witnessed it for 10 gd years. You guys should just read some of the vile comments hurled at me on a daily basis. It’s a cold hard truth to face but it is the truth.”
When I read comments saying “this is not who we are” I laugh because this is exactly who country music is. I’ve witnessed it for 10 gd years. You guys should just read some of the vile comments hurled at me on a daily basis. It’s a cold hard truth to face but it is the truth. pic.twitter.com/l3h18Z1ARU
— Mickey Guyton (@MickeyGuyton) February 3, 2021
“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,” Morris said in response. “We all know it wasn’t his first time using that word. We keep them rich and protected at all costs with no recourse.”
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 (@MarenMorris) February 3, 2021
Ballerini also condemned Wallen’s actions, saying, “The news out of Nashville tonight does not represent country music.”
The news out of Nashville tonight does not represent country music.
— Kelsea Ballerini (@KelseaBallerini) February 3, 2021
In a statement to People, Wallen apologized for the deeply insulting word.
“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,” he said. “I want to sincerely apologize for using the word. I promise to do better.”
This is not Wallen’s first trouble in recent months. He was previously uninvited from his debut Saturday Night Live appearance, after video surfaced of him partying without following COVID-19 safety protocols.