Morgan Wallen, an American country music singer, has been suspended indefinitely by his record label, Big Loud after a video was posted of him saying the N-word with a group of friends. The video was first posted by TMZ, and the decision itself was made the following day. 

Wallen has been pulled from iHeartMedia’s radio playlists, SiriusXM, Pandora, Apple Music, Entercom, and Cumulus Media. CMT, a media company, announced that it is removing Wallen’s appearances from all of its platforms. These companies have voiced their intolerance for these words and actions, claiming that it goes against their values of diversity and inclusion. 

“The decision was definitely necessary. Part of me wonders if because one company decided to remove his music, the others just followed along, like a ripple effect. I really hope that the companies’ decisions to suspend him was for a good cause, and not just for the look and because others were doing it,” said Ella Hodges (‘22). 

This isn’t the first incident for Wallen, however. In October of last year, he was uninvited to Saturday Night Live after a video was released of him at a party, breaking COVID-19 safety protocols. Later in December, he made an appearance on the show, making jokes about what had happened.

“You’d think that after one mistake, they’d learn for the better, even if they’re completely different mistakes. When you’re a celebrity you really have to watch what you’re saying and doing at all times. I’m sure that he got away with all of the COVID-19 stuff because of his fan base defending him. Regardless, people are saying he will face around a two-year career set back for this issue,” said Hodges. 

After the video was posted by TMZ, Wallen issued an apology stating, “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.” The Nashville Branch of the NAACP has decided to invite Wallen to discuss what went down, and to help him learn more about his actions and their consequences.

“I’m curious about what effect this will have on his career long term. I mean, you know how cancel culture is these days. Not that it would be a bad or a good thing if it followed him forever, it’s just hard to tell the outcome. One instance like this can really change your life.” said Elena Soltero (‘22). 

Time will tell what happens to Wallen and his career.