Country Music Association is sorry for threatening to remove reporters who dare to ask questions about gun laws, politics and Las Vegas shooting.
- Nov 4, 2017
AceShowbiz - Country Music Association landed in hot water over controversial press guidelines for the 51st annual CMA Awards. The organization threatened to kick out reporters who would dare to ask questions about gun control, politics and Las Vegas massacre.
Brad Paisley was quick to call the CMA out. "I'm sure the CMA will do the right thing and rescind these ridiculous and unfair press guidelines. In 3...2....1.....," tweeted the 45-year-old country music crooner who is tapped to host the upcoming event.
I'm sure the CMA will do the right thing and rescind these ridiculous and unfair press guidelines. In 3...2....1.....
— Brad Paisley (@BradPaisley) November 3, 2017
The organization initially stated, "In light of recent events, and out of respect for the artists directly or indirectly involved, please refrain from focusing your coverage of the CMA Awards Red Carpet and Backstage Media Center on the Las Vegas tragedy, gun rights, political affiliations or topics of the like."
"It's vital, more so this year than in year's [sic] past due to the sensitivities at hand, that the CMA Awards be a celebration of Country Music and the artists that make this genre so great. It's an evening to honor the outstanding achievements in Country Music of the previous year and we want everyone to feel comfortable talking to press about this exciting time."
They concluded it with a warning, "If you are reported as straying from these guidelines, your credential will be reviewed and potentially revoked via security escort."
Brad Paisley was not the only country star to criticize the CMA. Maren Morris who got three nominations this year commented, "Country music has always been about the truth. Out of respect for the Las Vegas victims, let's keep it that way."
Meanwhile, fellow country singer Cam applaud Paisley for speaking up, "THANK YOU, @BradPaisley - this is embarrassing and has been taken way too far. You can encourage respect without silencing people, #CMA."
CMA then responded. They apologized and lifted the restriction, "CMA apologizes for the recently distributed restrictions in the CMA Awards media guidelines, which have since been lifted. The sentiment was not to infringe and was created with the best of intentions to honor and celebrate Country Music."
Paisley who will co-host the CMA Awards with Carrie Underwood showed his support, "Bravo CMA awards for doing the right thing & apologizing for this mistake. All are welcome, let's have a great show."
Bravo CMA awards for doing the right thing & apologizing for this mistake. All are welcome, let's have a great show.
— Brad Paisley (@BradPaisley) November 3, 2017
Country music community, while condemning the deadly Las Vegas shooting and sending condolences and prayers to the victims and their families, largely kept quiet on the debate on stricter gun laws.
