Big Loud Records Suspends Morgan Wallen; Broadcast Groups Drop His Music In Wake Of Racial Slur

Wallen (Photo: Sweet Talk Publicity)

MORGAN WALLEN has been suspended indefinitely from his label, BIG LOUD RECORDS, after TMZ shared a video on TUESDAY night (2/2) showing an apparently drunk WALLEN using a racial slur outside his home during a shouted exchange with friends on SUNDAY night (1/31). At least seven radio chains, CMT, the ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC (ACM) and the COUNTRY MUSIC ASSOCIATION (CMA) also quickly distanced themselves from WALLEN.

"In the wake of recent events, BIG LOUD RECORDS has made the decision to suspend MORGAN WALLEN's recording contract indefinitely," the label said. "[Partner] REPUBLIC RECORDS fully supports BIG LOUD's decision and agrees such behavior will not be tolerated." WALLEN was quickly removed from BIG LOUD's website and FACEBOOK page. 

Additionally, Country radio programmers from iHEART, CUMULUS, ENTERCOM, COX MEDIA GROUP, HUBBARD BROADCASTING, BEASLEY MEDIA GROUP and ALPHA MEDIA have removed WALLEN from their playlists completely as part of chain-wide programming decisions. CMT shared on INSTAGRAM that it is "in the process of removing his appearances from all our platforms. We do not tolerate or condone words and actions that are in direct opposition to our core values that celebrate diversity, equity and inclusion."

The ACM has also halted WALLEN's potential involvement and eligibility for this year's "56th ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS" cycle. In a statement posted on FACEBOOK, they wrote, "We have made his management team aware of this decision. THE ACADEMY does not condone or support intolerance or behavior that doesn't align with our commitment and dedication to diversity and inclusion." They also announced an expedited effort toward long-planned diversity training for ACM members, board, staff and the Country music community, made available through its DIVERSITY + INCLUSION TASK FORCE, established in 2018. Additionally, ACM will review its awards and eligibility submission processes.

The CMA tweeted, "In light of MORGAN WALLEN's recent use of a racial slur, CMA is removing his digital content from our platforms. We support our Country music partners for taking swift action. We will confer further with our Board of Directors to review additional measures, and will continue to examine our industry's inclusivity efforts."

iHEARTMEDIA has released a statement saying: "In light of MORGAN WALLEN’s recent actions involving the use of a racial slur, we have made the decision to remove his music and content from our stations effective immediately."

In a similar statement, an ENTERCOM spokesperson told ALL ACCESS, "In light of MORGAN WALLEN’s recent use of a racial slur, we’ve discussed the incident with our Country brand leadership team and together have made the decision to remove MORGAN’s music from ENTERCOM’s playlists."

BEASLEY MEDIA GROUP Chief Content Officer JUSTIN CHASE commented to ALL ACCESS, “We were deeply saddened and disappointed to hear of the recent comment made by MORGAN WALLEN. BEASLEY is a company that celebrates diversity, equity and inclusion. We have pulled his music from our seven Country stations’ playlists.”

COX MEDIA GROUP (CMG) also removed MORGAN from rotation. That company issued a statement that read, “CMG takes very seriously our role in ensuring diversity, equity and inclusion permeate our workplace and platforms. We strive to make our listeners and the communities we serve feel valued and respected. We believe MORGAN WALLEN’s statements do not align with that goal or our cultural beliefs as an organization. Effective immediately, his music and content will be removed from our Country brand station playlists.”

ALPHA MEDIA EVP/Content PHIL BECKER issued a memo to his programmign team, which read, “ALPHA MEDIA has decided to remove all of MORGAN WALLEN’s music and content from our radio stations and digital destinations, effective immediately. ALPHA has zero-tolerance for racial slurs, and practices diversity and inclusion in all levels of operations. Thank you to everyone, including those who worked with us late last night, to take this immediate action.”

A HUBBARD spokesperson commented to ALL ACCESS, "HUBBARD RADIO is not currently playing MORGAN WALLEN’s music on any of its stations."

While CUMULUS has yet to comment publicly on its stance, an internal memo obtained by VARIETY and signed by EVP, Content and Audience BRIAN PHILIPS and SVP/Programming Operations JOHN DIMICK reportedly read, “Team, unfortunately Country music star MORGAN WALLEN was captured on video SUNDAY evening using a racial slur. Effective immediately we request that all of MORGAN WALLEN’s music be removed from our playlists without exception. More to follow.”

A representative for SUMMITMEDIA declined to comment on the record about his company's plan. WALLEN's current BIG LOUD/REPUBLIC RECORDS single, “7 Summers” is at #15 on the MEDIABASE Country chart.

This morning, several Country programmers took to FACEBOOK asking colleagues how they were handling the situation. Soon after TMZ shared the video last night, iHEARTMEDIA’s Dir./Country Programming for the KENTUCKY/INDIANA region ASHLEY WILSON posted on FACEBOOK, “Despite what some may think, Country music is Black. It’s also queer. Racial epithets and derogatory language about race or sexuality should not be tolerated. Being intoxicated is not an excuse.” WHITE RIVER BROADCASTING Country WKKG/BLOOMINGTON, IN, PD/morning host RICK DANIELS wrote, “I’m talking with management about this. I can’t support this behavior. Country radio as a whole needs to take a stand. Good for CUMULUS.”

WALLEN immediately issued an apology to TMZ, which read, ”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.” 

In the TMZ video, he can be heard saying, “Take care of this "p****-ass mother******,” followed by ”Take care of this p****-ass n*****.” It was not the first time WALLEN’s neighbors have shared video from outside his home.

Some Country artists have also commented publicly on the situation. KELSEA BALLERINI tweeted, “The news out of NASHVILLE tonight does not represent Country music.” In an apparent response to BALLERINI, MAREN MORRIS wrote, “It actually IS representative of our town because this isn’t his first ‘scuffle’ and he just demolished a huge streaming record last month regardless. We all know it wasn’t his first time using that word. We keep them rich and protected at all costs with no recourse.”

MICKEY GUYTON also weighed in, writing, “This is not his first time using that ‘unacceptable’ racial slur and we all known that. So what exactly are y’all going to do about it? Crickets won’t work this time.” She later added, “The hate runs deep.”

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