Maren Morris, the beloved country star, recently found herself in a feud with Brittany, the wife of fellow country artist Jason Aldean, over a transphobic joke. The controversy even caught the attention of Fox News host Tucker Carlson. But instead of getting upset, Morris decided to respond with a little humor.
Sharing a headline from Carlson’s interview on her social media, Morris playfully captioned it, “#NewProfilePic.” It was her way of lightheartedly responding to the insult she received on live television. And it seems like she’s not the only one finding humor in the situation. Chrissy Teigen, a well-known personality, responded to Morris’s post, saying, “omgahhh the highest honor.” Even Cassadee Pope, who was also involved in the online spat, chimed in with laughing emojis and cheekily mentioned that the headline would make a great addition to Morris’s collection.
A Feud Arises
The feud began when Brittany posted a makeup video with a caption that caused an uproar. She wrote, “I’d really like to thank my parents for not changing my gender when I went through my tomboy phase. I love this girly life.” Morris, along with others in the country music community, called out the comment as transphobic. In response, Pope tweeted about the importance of inclusivity in beauty brands and how comparing a “tomboy phase” to someone’s desire to transition is not respectful.
Morris then joined the conversation, expressing her agreement with Pope’s views. She tweeted, “It’s so easy to, like, not be a scumbag human? Sell your clip-ins and zip it, Insurrection Barbie.” It was a sassy and powerful response, highlighting the need for compassion and understanding. However, the feud didn’t end there. Brittany claimed that her words were taken out of context and further defended her stance in an interview with Tucker Carlson, asserting that she was advocating for children’s well-being.
Understanding Transgender Identity
To understand the depth of this controversy, it’s important to have a clear understanding of what it means to be transgender. Being transgender means that one’s gender does not align with the sex assigned at birth. Gender identity is not the same as gender expression, which is evident in cases like a “tomboy” phase. Pre-pubertal transgender children often undergo a social transition, which includes changes like using a different name and pronouns or dressing in a way that aligns with their identity. However, medical interventions like puberty blockers or hormone treatments are typically not recommended until the child reaches puberty. Genital gender-affirming surgeries are also not recommended until the individual is at least 18 years old.
Rising Above Negativity
Maren Morris has shown us that even in the face of criticism, a little humor can go a long way. Her witty response to Tucker Carlson’s insults demonstrates her resilience and ability to rise above negativity. Let’s celebrate artists like Morris who use their platforms to stand up for what they believe in and bring attention to important social issues.
