Feb. 3 (UPI) — Morgan Wallen has apologized after a leaked video appeared to show him using a racial slur.
The 27-year-old country music singer said in a statement Tuesday to E! News that he’s “embarrassed and sorry” for using a racial slur during a night out with friends.
“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,” Wallen said. “I want to sincerely apologize for using the word. I promise to do better.”
TMZ published a video Tuesday that shows Wallen using a racial slur and other profanities while returning home from a night out in Nashville. Wallen’s neighbor reportedly filmed the video after hearing the commotion.
Wallen’s record label, Big Loud Records, said Wednesday that it is suspending Wallen’s recording contract in light of the incident.
“In the wake of recent events, Big Loud Records has made the decision to suspend Morgan Wallen’s recording contract indefinitely,” the label tweeted. “Republic Records fully supports Big Loud’s decision and agrees such behavior will not be tolerated.”
pic.twitter.com/ooRYfOTlud— Big Loud (@BigLoud) February 3, 2021
Variety said Cumulus Media, the second biggest radio chain in the United States, pulled Wallen’s music from its 400-plus stations after the video surfaced. iHeartMedia also pulled Wallen’s songs.
“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,” an iHeartRadio rep told Fox News.
In addition, CMT, the Country Music Television channel, has removed all of Wallen’s appearances from its platforms in light of the incident.
“After learning of Morgan Wallen’s racial slur late last night, we are in the process of removing his appearances from all our platforms,” CMT tweeted. “We do not tolerate or condone words and actions that are in direct opposition to our core values that celebrate diversity, equity & inclusion.”
After learning of Morgan Wallen’s racial slur late last night, we are 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 & inclusion.— CMT (@CMT) February 3, 2021
Wallen previously faced criticism for breaking COVID-19 protocols by partying without a mask in Alabama. He apologized in October after Saturday Night Live canceled his performance due to the incident.
Wallen’s SNL appearance was rescheduled and he performed on the show in December.
Wallen released his second studio album, Dangerous: The Double Album, in January.
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