Jason Aldean, the renowned country artist, finds himself in the middle of a controversy surrounding his latest song and its music video. The track titled "Try That in a Small Town" has recently faced accusations of racism and promoting lynching. Aldean, in response to this criticism, has finally broken his silence on the matter.
The Removal of the Music Video Facing Criticism
Following the allegations of racism and pro-lynching, CMT (Country Music Television) made the decision to take down the music video for Aldean’s song "Try That in a Small Town." However, the musician is not letting these accusations go unanswered. He is speaking up and addressing the claims made against him.
Aldean Denies any Racist Intent
Taking to social media, Aldean personally addressed the accusations, stating, "In the past 24 hours, I have been accused of publishing a pro-lynching song (a tune that has been out since May) and was subject to the comparison that I (direct quote) was not too pleased with the statewide BLM rallies." Aldean continued, "These references are not only worthless but dangerous."
CMT’s Lack of Explanation
Although CMT removed the music video from their rotation after just three days, they have yet to provide any reasoning behind their decision. This lack of transparency has left many pondering about the motivations behind the removal.
Understanding the Historical Context of the Music Video
The controversial music video was shot in front of the Maury County Courthouse in Columbia, Tennessee, a place where in the 1920s, an African-American man named Henry Choate was lynched. Although not explicitly stated in the video, the inclusion of imagery depicting protesters, clashes with the police, and burning American flags has further ignited the controversy.
Aldean’s Explanation for the Song
Aldean passionately defends his song, arguing that it captures the strong sense of community he experienced while growing up in a small town. He emphasizes that the lyrics do not make any reference to race, and all the video clips used are authentic news footage. Despite political differences, Aldean believes in the importance of coming together for a sense of normalcy.
Previous Controversies
It’s worth mentioning that this is not the first time Aldean has faced criticism. In 2021, his wife, Brittany Aldean, made transphobic remarks, leading to the musician’s public relations company severing ties with him. Aldean has also been under fire for his response to his wife’s comments.
Tour Delay
Alongside the ongoing challenges, Aldean has also dealt with health issues. He was hospitalized for heatstroke on the second day of his Highway Desperado tour, resulting in a delay in his performance. The concert venue, however, has assured fans that the show will be rescheduled.
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