Controversial country musician Morgan Wallen has been banned from attending the 55th annual CMA Awards in Nashville, TN — despite being nominated for Album of the Year for his 2021 record Dangerous: The Double Album.
As confirmed by CMA CEO Sarah Trahern with The Los Angeles Times, Wallen has been barred from the ceremony while the album remains eligible for CMA accolades "so as not to limit opportunity for other credited collaborators." Chris Stapleton, Eric Church and Carly Pearce are also up for the award.
"This is the first time in the history of the CMA, to my knowledge, anyone has ever been disqualified for conduct," Trahern said. "Honouring him as an individual this year is not right, and he will not be allowed on the red carpet, on our stage, or be celebrated in any way."
Wallen stirred controversy among the country music community and elsewhere when he was caught on video using a racial slur back in February. He later apologized for his actions, but then walked back his statement, later explaining that his use of the n-word was "playful."
In the days following the incident, and after having his music removed from radio stations, Wallen's record sales tripled. Despite asking his fans to stop defending him, Wallen took a break from a self-imposed hiatus to perform at Kid Rock's notoriously messy Honky Tonk bar.
Winners of the 2021 CMA Awards will be announced on November 10.
As confirmed by CMA CEO Sarah Trahern with The Los Angeles Times, Wallen has been barred from the ceremony while the album remains eligible for CMA accolades "so as not to limit opportunity for other credited collaborators." Chris Stapleton, Eric Church and Carly Pearce are also up for the award.
"This is the first time in the history of the CMA, to my knowledge, anyone has ever been disqualified for conduct," Trahern said. "Honouring him as an individual this year is not right, and he will not be allowed on the red carpet, on our stage, or be celebrated in any way."
Wallen stirred controversy among the country music community and elsewhere when he was caught on video using a racial slur back in February. He later apologized for his actions, but then walked back his statement, later explaining that his use of the n-word was "playful."
In the days following the incident, and after having his music removed from radio stations, Wallen's record sales tripled. Despite asking his fans to stop defending him, Wallen took a break from a self-imposed hiatus to perform at Kid Rock's notoriously messy Honky Tonk bar.
Winners of the 2021 CMA Awards will be announced on November 10.