Hayley Williams confirms Morgan Wallen as ‘racist country singer’ in her new song
Hayley Williams recently made headlines for naming Morgan Wallen as the inspiration behind the “racist country singer” lyric in the title track of her latest solo album, “Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party.” During an episode of The New York Times’ Popcast podcast, she unabashedly confirmed that Wallen was the subject of her song, making it clear that she isn’t afraid to call out names when necessary.
The conversation on the podcast veered towards the identity of the individual mentioned in Williams’ controversial lyric, “I’ll be the biggest star in this racist country singer’s bar.” She acknowledged that there could potentially be other figures the lyric could apply to, but she boldly stated, “I’m always talking about Morgan Wallen, I don’t give a s—.” Further emphasizing her point, she added, “Find me at Whole Foods, bitch, I don’t care.”
This isn’t the first time Williams has spoken out against Wallen. In an interview with Stereogum, she criticized Wallen’s bar in Nashville, Morgan Wallen’s This Bar & Tennessee Kitchen, citing it as her least favorite musician-owned establishment in the city. She questioned the lack of originality in naming a business after oneself, stating that it should have more depth and substance.
Wallen has faced considerable backlash for his actions in the past, particularly after a video surfaced of him using a racial slur outside his Nashville home in January 2021. This incident led to widespread condemnation, with many in the country music industry calling out the prevalence of racism in the genre. Mickey Guyton, the only Black female country artist signed to a major label, pointed out the inherent racism that persists in the industry.
Following the release of the video, Wallen issued an apology, acknowledging his wrongdoing and accepting the consequences of his actions. However, the incident sparked a larger conversation about racial inequality in the music industry, prompting artists like Williams to speak out against such behavior.
Williams’ latest album, Ego Death, tackles themes of racism, mental health, and more across its 17 tracks. The singer has been vocal about her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights and her commitment to addressing issues of racial injustice in her music. Ego Death was released on her independent label Post Atlantic, distributed via Secretly Distribution, marking a new chapter in her career.
With this latest revelation about Wallen, Williams continues to use her platform to address important social issues and advocate for equality in the music industry and beyond. Her willingness to confront controversial topics head-on demonstrates her commitment to sparking meaningful dialogue and driving positive change.