Mickey Guyton discusses racism in country music

After taking to social media to condemn Morgan Wallen's use of a racial slur in a leaked video, rising country star Mickey Guyton has shared candid experiences of racism as well as her thoughts on how to make the genre better for everyone.

"When I read comments saying “this is not who we are” I laugh because this is exactly who country music is," Guyton wrote in a tweet before explaining she's dealt with this behaviour and prejudice for ten years in the industry. "You guys should just read some of the vile comments hurled at me on a daily basis. It’s a cold hard truth to face but it is the truth."

I question on a daily basis as to why I continue to fight to be in an industry that seems to hate me so much. But then I realize there is a new artist of color, all bright eyed and excited to be in this industry.

— Mickey Guyton (@MickeyGuyton) February 3, 2021

"I question on a daily basis as to why I continue to fight to be in an industry that seems to hate me so much. But then I realize there is a new artist of color, all bright eyed and excited to be in this industry."

Vowing to be a "warrior" for these young artists coming through the genre, Guyton continued by saying, "This artist might not have the strength to fight for themselves. But I do."

The 'Black Like Me' artist then went on to list many artists including Dolly Parton, Tenille Townes, Ashley McBryde, Caylee Hammack, Kacey Musgraves, Keith Urban, Brothers Osborne and many more as artists who have all been "so kind and supportive" to her before finishing the thread by offering her thoughts on the path forward for Wallen.

"I do not believe in cancel culture. Watching anyone fall from grace is a terrible thing to see. People must all be given a chance to change. Morgan must feel the weight of his words but completely throwing someone away is detrimental to anyone’s mental health." Read the full Twitter thread here.

This comes after Guyton performed her historic single 'Black Like Me' on Colbert, which earned her a GRAMMY nomination and the title of the first black female solo artist to earn the nomination. The stunning video shows the pregnant star passionately perform her game-changing single, and shows exactly why she is tipped globally as one of the genre's next big things. Watch the performance below:

Image: Press