Morgan Wallen broke his silence and told fans to stop defending him after a video surfaced of him using the N-word outside his home in Nashville.
“The video you saw was me on hour 72 of 72 of a bender,” the 27-year-old country music star shared Thursday in a video posted on Instagram, according to Taste Of Country. (RELATED: Morgan Wallen’s Album Sales Triple After Video Surfaces Of Him Using N-Word)
“And that’s not something I am proud of either,” he added before he shared how he “let so many people down” who have given so much to him, including his parents and son.
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Wallen said he had “accepted some invitations” from some “amazing black organizations,” from executives and leaders to engage in some very “real and honest” conversations.
“This week I heard first hand some personal stories from black people that honestly shook me,” he added, while sharing that “words matter.”
“There’s no reason to downplay what I did,” Wallen continued. “It matters, even though I’m carefully choosing my next steps.”
The country music star said he wanted to end the video on a positive note. He shared that he’s “been sober for nine days” and that he’s going to take some time “taking back control” of his habit and live healthily.
“And lastly, I appreciate those who still see something in me and have defended me,” Wallen explained. “But for today, please don’t. I was wrong. It’s on me to take ownership of this, and I fully accept any penalties I’ll face.”
After video surfaced of the country music star using the racial slur, the hitmaker immediately apologized and promised “to do better.” iHeart Radio and CMT announced they would no longer air his music, while record label Big Loud said they had indefinitely “suspended” Wallen’s contract.
Wallen was also dropped by talent agency WME amid the fallout, as his album sales tripled despite the controversy.