Country artist Jason Aldean has found himself in the middle of a storm of criticism lately due to his new song and music video. Titled “Try That in a Small Town,” the song has faced accusations of racism and promoting lynching. Aldean has finally spoken out to address these concerns and set the record straight.
Pushback on Music Video Leads to Removal
Following claims of racism and a pro-lynching narrative, the music video for Aldean’s song “Try That in a Small Town” was removed from CMT. However, the artist is not backing down and is taking a stand to confront these allegations head-on.
Aldean Denies Racist Intent
Aldean took to social media to address the accusations, firmly stating, “In the past 24 hours, I have been accused of promoting a pro-lynching song (a song that has been out since May) and have faced criticism for my response to the statewide Black Lives Matter rallies.” He further emphasized, “These insinuations are not only baseless, but also dangerous.”
CMT’s Lack of Transparency
While CMT decided to remove the music video from their airplay after just three days, they have not provided a clear explanation for their decision. This lack of transparency has left many questioning the motives behind the removal.
Putting the Music Video into Historical Context
The controversial music video was filmed in front of the Maury County Courthouse in Columbia, Tennessee, where an African-American man named Henry Choate was lynched in the 1920s. While the video does not explicitly state the historical significance, the imagery of protesters, clashes with the police, and burning American flags has contributed to the ongoing controversy.
Aldean’s Explanation of the Song
Aldean stands firm in his defense of the song, arguing that it reflects the sense of community he experienced while growing up in a small town. He emphasizes that the lyrics do not make any references to race and every video clip used in the music video is authentic news footage. Despite political differences, Aldean believes in the importance of unity for a sense of normalcy.
Previous Controversies
It’s worth noting that this is not the first time Jason Aldean has faced criticism. In 2021, his wife, Brittany Aldean, made transphobic remarks that resulted in his public relations company severing ties with him. Aldean has also been called out for his response to his wife’s comments.
Tour Delay
In addition to dealing with the ongoing controversy, Aldean has experienced health issues. He was hospitalized for heatstroke on the second day of his Highway Desperado tour, causing a delay in his upcoming appearances. Rest assured, the concert venue has assured fans that the show will be rescheduled.
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