Country singer Jason Aldean recently faced immense backlash for his song “Try That in a Small Town.” The accusations of racism and pro-lynching resulted in the music video being pulled from the airwaves. Aldean has now responded to the accusations, defending himself against the criticism.
The controversial song was removed from CMT after accusations emerged that it was racist and promoted lynching. Aldean took to social media to address the accusations, stating that they were not only meritless but also dangerous. He emphasized that the song had been out since May and questioned the motivations behind the accusations.
The music video, which showed Aldean performing in front of the Maury County Courthouse in Tennessee, drew attention to its historical significance. The location was where an African-American man named Henry Choate was lynched in the 1920s. While the footage of protesters burning American flags and clashing with police officers is unclear, it added to the controversy surrounding the song.
Critics were quick to condemn the song, with Variety calling it “the most contemptible country song of the decade.” Social media users went further, labeling Aldean as a racist and violent bigot. However, the singer denies any intentional racial references in the song and insists that it is about the sense of community he experienced growing up.
Despite past controversies, including his wife’s transphobic comments, Aldean remains steadfast in defending his song. He clarifies that his political views are known, and the desire for a sense of normalcy is the main message behind the song.
This backlash coincides with Jason Aldean’s Highway Desperado tour, which recently began. Unfortunately, he was hospitalized due to heatstroke after the second day of the tour and had to reschedule his performance.
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