Is Morgan Wallen racist? Billboard Music Awards bans him for screaming N-word despite 6 nominations
Country superstar Morgan Wallen has been criticized since his January 30, 2020 actions came into light after a night-out with his friends. Wallen was reportedly caught on video shouting obscenities and using a racial slur for one of his friends. The video was reportedly recorded by his pissed-off neighbors who had their peace disrupted that night because of the group's antics.
Following the scandal, Wallen, who had been signed with Big Loud Records since 2016 was dropped from their roster. His contract was "suspended indefinitely" and the label announced, "in the wake of recent events, Big Loud Records has made the decision to suspend Morgan Wallen’s contract indefinitely." One of the consequences he faces also includes being banned from the Billboard Music Awards despite receiving six nominations.
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Is Morgan Wallen racist?
The video of Wallen going ham with the profanities was obtained by TMZ. It shows him stumbling towards his house while telling someone from his group to watch over another guy. He then began to spew other profanities along with using the N-word. "Take care of this p***y a** motherf**ker," Wallen said in the video. He didn't stop there and later he was heard saying, "take care of this p***y a** (N-word)," before retiring to his home.
Wallen issued an apology for using the slur. In a statement to TMZ, he said, “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."
Coming to his BBMA ban, this is not the first time Wallen was barred from a telecast. In October 2020, 'Saturday Night Live' canceled his scheduled performance on the show after he violated Covid-19 protocols. Videos of his partying with fans in Alabama had surfaced on the Internet leading to the cancelation. In December he was invited to the show where he appeared in a skit making fun of himself.
Morgan Wallen's BBMA ban
Wallen has received six nominations for the 2021 Billboard Music Awards. He's up for Top Country Artist, Top Country Male Artist, Top Country Album, Top Song Sales Artist and Top Country Song, getting two nods in the last category.
"With our content reaching millions of viewers, dcp and MRC have the privilege and responsibility to effect change by creating a more inclusive dialogue in our productions and across the industry," dick clark productions shared in their statement.
"Morgan Wallen is a finalist this year based on charting. As his recent conduct does not align with our core values, we will not be including him on the show in any capacity (performing, presenting, accepting). It is heartening and encouraging to hear that Morgan is taking steps in his anti-racist journey and starting to do some meaningful work. We plan to evaluate his progress and will consider his participation in future shows."