Country singer Jason Aldean defends his song 'Try That in a Small Town' and its accompanying music video from critics who accuse it of promoting gun violence, lashing out at the Black Lives Matter movement, and fetishizing sundown towns.
Aldean firmly denies the allegations, pointing out that there is not a single lyric in the song that references race, and the video clips are real news footage.
While he respects others' interpretations of music, Aldean believes these accusations are meritless and dangerous, crossing a line that should not be crossed.
In response to the criticism, CMT, a country music broadcast network, confirms that it has removed the music video from its lineup.
The controversy surrounding the song and video intensifies as Aldean's defense sparks further debate.
The song 'Try That in a Small Town' faced significant backlash following the release of its music video, despite peaking at No. 35 on Billboard's Hot country chart.
Critics highlight that the video was filmed in front of the Maury County Courthouse, known for its historical connections to a 1927 lynching and the 1946 Columbia race riot.
Moreover, the video receives criticism for conflating peaceful protesting with violent crime and utilizing pro-gun rhetoric.
For some, the lyrics become particularly offensive due to Aldean's presence at the Route 91 Harvest Music Festival shooting in 2017, which resulted in numerous lives lost and injuries sustained.
The controversy surrounding the song and video threatens to overshadow Aldean's music career.
In his official statement, Aldean references the tragedies he has personally witnessed, including the Route 91 shooting, and expresses his desire to prevent senseless headlines and families being torn apart.
He explains that the song was intended to evoke the feeling of community he experienced while growing up, where differences did not matter.
Aldean emphasizes that the song is a call for unity, not a call to arms, aiming to bridge divides rather than perpetuate violence.
While acknowledging his conservative views, he maintains that the desire for normalcy and a peaceful society is what the song truly embodies.
Aldean hopes the message behind the song can be understood beyond the controversies it has sparked.
This latest controversy is not the first time Jason Aldean has faced criticism for his actions or associations.
In 2021, he received backlash for supporting his wife's posting of photos featuring their children wearing anti-Biden clothing.
Additionally, Aldean's longtime publicity firm parted ways with him after his wife made transphobic comments online, causing further controversy.
The recurring controversies surrounding Aldean raise questions about the impact they may have on his career and public image.
As the world of country music continues to evolve, Aldean's controversies highlight the challenges faced by artists navigating the intersection of personal beliefs and public perception.
We use cookies to store your preferences and analyze how StoryPRO is used.
Your settings can be changed, including withdrawing your consent, at any time on our privacy policy page.
You agree to our use of strictly necessary cookies if you continue to use this website.
Content Restricted To Members
About Author