Yesterday (Nov. 2), a rule stating that press were not allowed to ask artists attending the CMA Awards questions about the Las Vegas shooting and other political issues made headlines. Now, the Country Music Association has issued an apology.
"CMA apologizes for the recently distributed restrictions in the CMA Awards media guidelines, which have since been lifted," the statement reads. "The sentiment was not to infringe and was created with the best of intentions to honor and celebrate Country Music."
The rollback on restrictions comes after some of country music's biggest stars spoke out in opposition of the ban. Brad Paisley, who is set to co-host the awards, was among those who shared their disapproval of the guidelines.
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
Other artists, including Margo Price, Cam and Maren Morris, also shared their thoughts on the ban.
THANK YOU, @BradPaisley - this is embarrassing and has been taken way too far. You can encourage respect without silencing people, #CMA https://t.co/58pBDV6LLm
— Cam (@camcountry) November 3, 2017
Country music has always been about the truth. Out of respect for the Las Vegas victims, let?s keep it that way.
— MAREN MORRIS (@MarenMorris) November 3, 2017
And people wonder why I'm not invited.... ?? https://t.co/wY83lUkeC3
— Margo Price (@MissMargoPrice) November 2, 2017
This guy is hosting the awards, in case anyone was wondering what artists think of this... https://t.co/rXDZZCETmj
— Ryan Hurd (@RyanHurd) November 3, 2017
The original guidelines read as follows:
"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 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. If you are reported as straying from these guidelines, your credential will be reviewed and potentially revoked via security escort."
Follow Wide Open Country for live coverage of the CMA Awards when it airs on Nov. 8.
