Darius Rucker thinks it’s time for people to forgive Morgan Wallen after his N-word controversy.
The country music star, 58, claimed on Tuesday’s episode of Rolling Stone’s “Music Now” podcast that the “Last Night” hitmaker, 31, hasn’t been “forgiven” after he was caught on video in 2021 using the racial slur, among other expletives.
“I think Morgan’s become a better person since that,” Rucker said.
“I’ve known Morgan a long time. Since all that happened Morgan’s tried to really better himself and become a better person and see the world in a much better, better way,” he continued.
“You know, he’s not forgiven. He’s still not out for CMAs and ACMs,” Rucker incorrectly claimed.
“They can say what they want, but the fact that Morgan Wallen is not up for entertainer of the year and those things is crazy. No one’s selling more tickets than Morgan.”
Shortly after the video surfaced, Wallen apologized in a public statement for using the racial slur.
“I used an unacceptable and inappropriate racial slur that I wish I could take back,” Wallen, 27, said in a statement. “There are no excuses to use this type of language, ever. I want to sincerely apologize for using the word. I promise to do better.”
The singer was subsequently suspended by his record label and his music was pulled from iHeart and Cumulus radio stations.
Wallen was also banned from attending the 2021 CMA Awards, though his sophomore album, “Dangerous,” was nominated for album of the year.
The “Thinkin’ Bout Me” musician went on to take home the top honor at the 2022 ACM Awards show after being banned the previous year.
He also performed at the 2022 Billboard Music Awards after receiving the “uncanceled” stamp from now-disgraced mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, who hosted and executive produced the show that year
