Morgan Wallen. Photo: John Shearer
In a video obtained by TMZ and posted late Tuesday (Feb. 2) night, Morgan Wallen is seen coming home from a night out when he uses a racial slur while speaking to his friend. The video was reportedly shot Sunday (Jan. 31) night outside Wallen’s Nashville home by neighbors and shows him yelling profanities, including the N-word.
Wallen issued an apology to TMZ, “I’m embarrassed and sorry. 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. I want to sincerely apologize for using the word. I promise to do better.” MusicRow has confirmed its authenticity.
The video has surfaced following weeks of a very successful launch of his sophomore album, Dangerous: The Double Album. The Big Loud/Republic Records artist is unquestionably the biggest breakout star in the country format this year, with Dangerous garnering accolades including being the first country album to spend three weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 in eight years; as well as debuting at No. 1 atop the Billboard 200 Albums chart and earning the largest streaming week for a country album in history.
Wallen’s music has notably disappeared from Spotify’s Hot Country and Apple Music’s Today’s Country playlist. Variety reports that his music has been removed from Cumulus Media 400-plus stations, with a directive to the program directors from Brian Philips, EVP of programming for the chain, and John Dimick, the company’s head of programming operations.
Wallen’s country music peers Kelsea Ballerini, Maren Morris, Mickey Guyton, Will Hoge and more have issued early reactions about the incident.
the truth is the truth. https://t.co/HocuKJraWa
— Kelsea Ballerini (@KelseaBallerini) 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. 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
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
Hey @BigLoud y’all outta think about who you choose to partner with. @MorganWallen & your team continue to perpetuate the stereotype that this town & a whole industry is ignorant, backwards, uneducated, and NOW racist. The rest of us can’t keep saving y’all. Fix it please.
— Will Hoge (@WillHoge) February 3, 2021
The story is developing.
The post Video Surfaces of Morgan Wallen Using N-Word, Issues Apology appeared first on MusicRow.com.