Jason Aldean’s controversial “Try That in a Small Town” music video was seemingly edited to take away imagery of a Black Lives Matter protest after the clip acquired backlash, with critics claiming that the video contained racist, pro-gun and pro-lynching messaging.
According to The Washington Post, the video is now six seconds shorter than when it was initially shared on July 14. There is now not a clip from Fox 5 Atlanta depicting violent interactions throughout Black Lives Matter demonstrations in 2020.
Billboard has reached out to Aldean’s staff for extra data.
Last week, the nation singer responded to latest claims that “Try That in a Small Town” is a “modern lynching song.” The tune challenges those that “pull a gun on the owner of a liquor store” or “cuss out a cop” to, because the title suggests, strive these actions in a small city and “see how far ya make it down the road.” The tune’s video options footage of an American flag burning, protesters having confrontations with police, looters breaking a show case and thieves robbing a comfort retailer.
“In the past 24 hours I have been accused of releasing a pro-lynching song (a song that has been out since May) and was subject to a comparison that I (direct quote) was not too pleased with the nationwide BLM protests,” Jason wrote in his assertion. “These references are not only meritless, but dangerous. There is not a single lyric in the song that references race or points to it and there isn’t a single video clip that isn’t real news footage- and while I can try and respect others to have their own interpretation of a song with music- this one goes too far.”
He later addressed the controversy throughout his Ohio live performance on Friday (July 21). “It’s been a long week and I’ve seen a lot of stuff suggesting I’m this, suggesting I’m that,” Aldean instructed the gang in a fan-captured video. “I feel like everybody’s entitled to their opinion. You can think something all you want to, it doesn’t mean it’s true.”
He added, “What I am is a proud American. I’m proud to be from here. I love our country. I want to see it restored to what it once was before all this bulls— started happening to us. I love my country, I love my family, and I will do anything to protect that, I can tell you that right now.”
CMT has since pulled the video from its rotation after working it for 3 days, whereas Aldean’s spouse, Brittany Aldean, got here to his protection. On the opposite hand, stars like Sheryl Crow and Margo Price have spoken out towards Jason Aldean’s option to carry out and launch the tune.
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