John Rich Defends Carrie Underwood Amid Backlash For Liking Anti-Mask Tweet

Carrie Underwood is in hot water for liking an anti-mask tweet, but she has John Rich's support amid the controversy.

The "Jesus Take The Wheel" singer received flak after liking a tweet from conservative figure Matt Walsh, who shared a video of his speech at the Nashville School Board meeting on Aug. 10. In his speech, Walsh likened a mask mandate to "child abuse."

Underwood's gesture raised several eyebrows because it appeared to them that she's not supportive of the "Mask Up" campaign that seeks to stop the spread of the coronavirus. Many netizens criticized her for this, but Rich stood by her.

"I say @carrieunderwood can like whatever tweet she wants to like," he wrote on Twitter Wednesday. "Who are 'they' to shout her down? Watch out, she's a tough Okie gal:) [Do] You see what's going on here? It's 'freedom of speech unless you disagree with the mob.' #CarrieTakeTheWheel."

The "Save A Horse" crooner's post received several responses from the netizens who were furious at Underwood for liking Walsh's tweet. Many of them said they won't be supporting Underwood anymore.

One agreed with Rich that Underwood has the right to say whatever she wants to say. However, the netizen pointed out that the "American Idol" winner's critics are also free to not buy her albums, support her concerts and do whatever they want because freedom of speech works both ways.

"Yes @johnrich - @carrieunderwood can 'like' what she wants - that's freedom of speech. But I can choose to not listen to her music or buy her cd's/downloads etc if I don't agree with her views. And I don't. That's my freedom of choice... #VaccinesWork #MasksSaveLives #DUH," another user added.

Meanwhile, some also sided with Rich and noted that Underwood can like any post without getting canceled. One said many missed the point that when the majority disagrees with what one says, the pile-on is "disgusting" and the retaliation is equal to the comment causing the outrage and up to the level of abuse.

"This is the point exactly. She simply 'liked' something. Yet the opposition will actively ban and avoid her forever. The energy does not balance. Why so much energy on the side of hostility? Seems excessive and unproductive," one commented on the post made by the netizen who said he won't be supporting Underwood anymore.

Underwood has remained active on social media despite the backlash, but she has not released any statement to address the issue. She even congratulated the Oklahoma team after winning the 2021 Little League Softball World Series on the micro-blogging site.