Morgan Wallen suspended by label, dropped from radio and streaming after racial slur

Morgan Wallen has been "suspended indefinitely" by UMG label Big Loud / Republic after a video was published by TMZ showing the artist using a racial slur on February 3rd. Wallen was quick to make a public apology and vouched to "do better," but that hasn't stopped the country music industry taking swift action make sure he is held accountable for his actions.

Nashville's Big Loud Records made a public statement supporting Republic's decision to suspend the artist indefinitely, and agreed that Wallen's behaviour will "not be tolerated." This suspension is coupled with the country artist being dropped from iHeartMedia's radio stations, as well as his songs being removed by prominent playlists on Spotify and Apple Music.

In a comment provided to Billboard, a spokesperson from the radio group said, "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."

Country music stars Jason Isbell, Mickey Guyton, Maren Morris and Cassadee Pope have also condemned Wallen, taking to social media to call his behaviour "disgusting."

"Wallen’s behavior is disgusting and horrifying. I think this is an opportunity for the country music industry to give that spot to somebody who deserves it, and there are lots of black artists who deserve it," Isbell wrote on Twitter.

When I read comments saying “this is not who we are” I laugh because this is exactly who country music is. I’ve witnessed it for 10 gd years. 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. pic.twitter.com/l3h18Z1ARU

— Mickey Guyton (@MickeyGuyton) February 3, 2021

This is the second public scandal Morgan Wallen has been involved in in less than six months, following footage leaking of the artist breaking COVID-19 requirements by not wearing a mask and appearing to kiss a fan just days before he was scheduled to perform on Saturday Night Live in October 2020.