Morgan Wallen Is Barred From The 2021 CMA Awards Despite Nomination

Morgan Wallen may be nominated for Album of the Year (Dangerous) at the 2021 CMA Awards in Nashville, but he is not invited to attend the ceremony. 

Sarah Trahern, CEO of the Country Music Association explained to the LA Times, her organization’s decision to recognize Morgan's album but exclude him from attending or performing at the ceremony.

All due to his racial slur in February 2021 caught on video by his former neighbor.  

She told them, “This was something we looked at from so many angles. The decision, ultimately, was the man would not be allowed, but the music and the people who were part of it [songwriters and producers] could be eligible. That made his music eligible in five categories, and ultimately, he was nominated in one."

Trahern added, “This is the first time in the history of the CMA, to my knowledge, anyone has ever been disqualified for conduct. Honoring him as an individual this year is not right, and he will not be allowed on the red carpet, on our stage, or be celebrated in any way.” 

Greg Thompson, president of Big Loud Management, which oversees Wallen’s career, said in the same article, “I do not believe Morgan Wallen is a racist; he said a slur while drunk in a non-derogatory way, and those words are used frequently in pop culture. Those phrases are unacceptable, and Morgan’s met with Black artists and executives, who I’ve found to be the most forgiving. I’m not saying they condone what he said, but they’re willing to accept his apology and move on.”