Morgan Wallen says past racial slurs were ‘ignorant’ and meant to be ‘playful’ in first interview after scandal



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Morgan wallen speaks in his first interview since the country the music star was caught on camera casting the N-word in February.

The incident led to Wallen’s label, Big Loud Records, to suspend it and to conglomerates like iHeartRadio pulls music from the 27-year-old from their stations.

Speaking in a pre-recorded interview on “Good Morning America” ​​that aired Friday, host Michael Strahan asked Wallen how he felt about people who might think his interview was just another “performance. “.

“I understand that I’m never going to make everyone happy. I can only speak my truth and that’s all I know how to do,” Wallen said.

MORGAN WALLEN BREAKS A LONG TIME SILENCE AFTER USING A RACIAL SLUR: “I REALLY WORKED ON MYSELF”

Morgan Wallen's first interview since his racial slurs scandal aired on Friday "Hello America."

Morgan Wallen’s first interview since his racial slurs scandal aired Friday on “Good Morning America.”
(Jason Kempin / Getty Images)

Returning to the February day when TMZ posted the video of Wallen using the N word while talking with friends in an alley in Tennessee, Wallen admitted that he had “partied all weekend” with “friends. long-standing “.

Wallen went on to say that he and his friends were “saying stupid things together” and it’s not an insult that he uses frequently.

“No, I don’t think that just happened. I was with some of my friends and we just say stupid stuff together. In our mind, it’s playful. It sounds ignorant but it really is where it comes from. that it comes, and it is wrong, ”Wallen added. “We were all clearly drunk and I was asking his girlfriend to take care of him because he was drunk and was leaving. I didn’t mean to say it in a derogatory way at all.”

Strahan asked Wallen why he thought it was an “appropriate” word to ever use, to which the country crooner admitted he was “just ignorant about it”.

“I don’t think I’ve ever sat down thinking, ‘Hey, is that right or wrong?'” He said.

MORGAN WALLEN DROPPED BY TALENT AGENCY AMID RACIAL SLUR Drama

Morgan Wallen was not allowed to attend the Billboard Music Awards despite six nominations.

Morgan Wallen was not allowed to attend the Billboard Music Awards despite six nominations.
(PA)

“I didn’t see that with my own eyes – that pain or that insignificant feeling or whatever it makes you feel,” Wallen said.

Strahan said the word evoked anger and asked Wallen if he understood why it upset black people so much.

“I don’t know how to put myself in their shoes because I’m not, you know? But I understand. When I say I’m using it out of play or ignorance, I understand that must sound ‘he doesn’t understand. not, ‘”replied Wallen.

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After the incident, Wallen said he spoke to the Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC) and went through a 30-day drug rehab to understand “why I’m acting this way.”

Amid the scandal, Wallen’s second album “Dangerous: The Double Album” topped the Billboard 200 charts for week five. He said he and his team calculated about $ 500,000 in profit as a result of soaring sales and that money was donated to black organizations including BMAC. ABC News said BMAC did not respond to its confirmation request.

MORGAN WALLEN SLACKED BY MAREN MORRIS, MICKEY GUYTON AND OTHER COUNTRY STARS AFTER SINGER USES RACIAL SLUR

Wallen was widely condemned by several country artists, including Maren Morris and Mickey Guyton, after the video was released. Asked by Strahan if he thinks there is a racial problem in country music, he replied, “I mean, it would sound like that, yes. I didn’t really sit down and thought about it. “

Fan-funded billboards supporting singer Morgan Wallen on Broadway on June 8, 2021 in Nashville, Tenn.

Fan-funded billboards supporting singer Morgan Wallen on Broadway on June 8, 2021 in Nashville, Tenn.
(Jason Kempin / Getty Images)

In April, the musician took to social media to post handwritten apology to fans and revealed he’ll be taking a hiatus this summer.

“I’ve felt a lot of love lately from so many people that I haven’t gotten to know yet,” Wallen began, thanking his fans who stood by his side. “I know my corner hasn’t been the most popular lately, but a lot of you have.”

Wallen argued he “made a few mistakes” in 2020 and called it a “tough year,” likely highlighting his arrest on public intoxication in May and disorderly conduct charges in September.

The country star was also scratched as a performer on “Saturday Night Live“after being seen partying in a bar without practicing social distancing a few days before his scheduled performance.

He went on to write that he “always strives to be better” and that his time away from the spotlight has not only helped him identify the ways he wants to improve, but also “reminded me that I am still very proud of who I am and of the man that I am becoming. “

In a statement released in early February, the ACM said it had banned “Wallen’s potential involvement and eligibility for this year’s 56th Academy of Country Music Awards.”

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After video of the Wallen incident was released online in February, he told Fox News in a statement: “I am embarrassed and sorry.”

“I used an unacceptable and inappropriate racial insult that I wish I could take back,” he continued. “There are never any excuses for using that kind of language. I want to sincerely apologize for using that word. I promise to do better.”

Julius Young of Fox News contributed to this report.



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