In a bold move that's stirring up the music world, Paramore frontwoman Hayley Williams has directly called out country star Morgan Wallen, confirming he's the "racist country singer" referenced in her new solo track. The revelation came during a recent interview on the New York Times' Popcast, where Williams didn't mince words about the controversial figure. She laughed off any ambiguity, stating plainly that while the lyric could apply to a few, it's always Wallen she's got in mind. "Find me at Whole Foods, bitch, I don't care," she added, underscoring her unapologetic stance.
The song in question, "Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party," dropped as part of Williams' July album of the same name. Its pointed line—"I'll be the biggest star at this racist country singer's bar"—has sparked widespread speculation since release. Now, with Williams' confirmation, the feud feels even more personal. Indeed, this isn't the first time she's taken aim at Wallen; back in August, she criticized Nashville's celebrity-owned bars, explicitly snubbing his This Bar & Tennessee Kitchen amid its flashy opening. However, the racism accusation ties back to Wallen's own troubled history.
Recall that in 2021, Wallen faced massive backlash after a video surfaced of him using a racial slur late at night. His record label, Big Loud, suspended him indefinitely, and radio stations pulled his music. Country music awards shows barred him, and streaming platforms like Spotify temporarily yanked his songs. Wallen apologized, entered rehab, and eventually clawed his way back to the top of the charts. Yet, the incident lingers, fueling ongoing debates about accountability in an industry often criticized for its handling of such scandals. Williams, known for her outspoken advocacy on social issues, seems unwilling to let it slide.
Moreover, the timing adds another layer—Wallen's bar just celebrated its grand debut in Nashville, drawing crowds and boosting his empire despite the past. Williams' comments have reignited online chatter, with fans divided between support for her candor and defenses of Wallen's redemption arc. However, as these artists navigate fame's tangled web, one wonders if such public call-outs will push for real change or just deepen the divides.