Jason Aldean is speaking out after being accused of putting out a racially-charged music video … and while the internet’s outraged with his video, Jason is defending the lyrics.
The country singer took to social media Tuesday, opening by saying he’s been “accused of releasing a pro-lynching song” — referring to his track, “Try That in a Small Town,” which was released in May but has been making the rounds since the music video dropped last week.
He says folks thinking it’s about his distaste for the Black Lives Matter protests got it way wrong … adding the “dangerous” accusations have no merit.
JA tells his fans the single’s all about the community where he grew up, and how neighbors would take care of each other no matter what.
He does not address certain lines in the song … such as telling people to take their anti-police mentality to a small town, adding “See how far ya make it down the road.”
As for the MV, Jason only touches on it briefly — simply saying the footage is from news clips. But, it’s the location he chose to film his video, mixed with the context of the song, that had people up in arms.
The singer’s video was shot in front of the Maury County Courthouse in Columbia, TN — the place where 18-year-old African-American Henry Choate was lynched in 1927 after being dragged through the streets, accused of attacking a white girl.
CMT pulled the music video from its rotation Monday, so Jason’s got some convincing to do.