After Country Music Television (CMT) went woke and pulled Jason Aldean’s wildly popular “Try That in a Small Town” video, social media users, and country music fans, have called for a boycott of the channel. CMT initially aired the video for a few days before removing it on Monday, leading to accusations of censorship. Critics of Aldean’s song contended that it featured footage of a courthouse associated with the alleged lynching of a black teenager around 100 years ago.
In “Try That in a Small Town,” Mr. Aldean touches on the topics of self-defense and firearms, clarifying that the song doesn’t glorify violence. In response to the backlash, the singer addressed his social media followers, expressing his dismay over being accused of releasing a pro-lynching song, which had actually been out since May. He also refuted claims that he was not supportive of the nationwide Black Lives Matter protests, deeming these references both meritless and dangerous.
The country music singer, who is a Trump supporter, explained that the lyrics in the song reflect his childhood experiences. During that time, people in his community cared for one another, regardless of their background or beliefs, simply because they were neighbors, and that bond was stronger than any differences.
He further emphasized, “My political views have never been something I’ve hidden from, and I know that a lot of us in this country don’t agree on how we get back to a sense of normalcy where we go at least a day without a headline that keeps us up at night. But the desire for it to—that’s what this song is about.”
The production company responsible for Mr. Aldean’s video released a statement to various news outlets, clarifying that they utilized a “popular filming location outside of Nashville,” which happened to be the courthouse in question. They emphasized that this location has been a setting for numerous other productions and shows in the past.
“Any alternative narrative suggesting the music video’s location decision is false,” the company said, adding that it wasn’t Mr. Aldean who chose that filming location.
“I’ve seen a lot of stuff suggesting I’m this, suggesting I’m that,” Mr. Aldean also said in a recent concert appearance, referring to the criticism. “Here’s one thing I feel, I feel everybody’s entitled to their opinion. You can think something all you want to, it doesn’t mean it’s true. What I am is a proud American … I love our country. I want to see it restored to what it once was before all this [expletive] started happening to us. I love my country, I love my family and I will do anything to protect that.”
Watch:
On July 18, Country Music Television confirmed to Forbes that it had pulled the music video.
“CMT just murdered their own brand and for what? Because a bunch of leftist[s] who don’t even listen to country music complained about Jason Aldean’s music video? Let’s give CMT the Target and Disney treatment. Hold the line!” tweeted Founder and CEO of Turning Point USA Charlie Kirk.
Rep. Ronnie Jackson (R-Texas) wrote: “CMT has gone WOKE! Do they know who their viewers are? Guess not!! I’ll tell you this … I’ll NEVER watch CMT ever again. BOYCOTT CMT!!”
Here are some more reactions from Twitter:
Watch “Try That in a Small Town by Jason Aldean on YouTube and decide for yourself if it is “racist” or “promotes violence”:
