Morgan Wallen Breaks Silence After Racial Slur Controversy, Receives Invitations From Black Organizations

KEY POINTS

Morgan Wallen was not proud of the video where he was caught using the N-word
The country singer has been sober and working with Black organizations since then
Wallen took the responsibility for his mistake and fully accepted the penalties of his misbehavior

Morgan Wallen broke his silence weeks after the racial slur controversy involving him.

The country singer shared a lengthy video on Instagram Wednesday. He addressed the clip that captured him using the N-word and other inappropriate language and expressed his dismay as he apologized for the incident. He also gave his fans an update on what happened to him after the controversy.

"The video you saw of me was me on hour 72 of 72 of a bender and that's not something I'm proud of either," he said. "I let so many people down…I'm not OK with that…I also accepted some invitations from some amazing Black organizations, executives and leaders to engage in some real and honest conversations," he said.

Wallen admitted that he was "pretty nervous" to accept the invites because he hurt them and they "had every right to step on my neck while I was down, to not show me any grace, but they did the exact opposite."

Wallen experienced the Black community's kindness and this moved him and made him realize that his "words matter." The opportunity to work with them gave him new perspective and a deep appreciation and clear understanding of his words.

"My words matter and that word can truly hurt a person. And at my core, that's not what I'm OK with," he continued. "I've got many more things to learn but I already know that I don't want to add to any division. Our actions matter, our words matter, and I just want to encourage anyone watching to please learn from my mistakes. There is no reason to downplay what I did. It matters."

Wallen has been sober for nine days since the video made the rounds online and said the person in the clip was not "the man I want to be." He also thanked those who continue to support him after the scandal.

"Lastly, I have one favor to ask. I appreciate those who still see something in me and have defended me. But for today, please don't. I was wrong. It's on me. I take ownership for this and I fully accept any penalties I'm facing," he concluded.

Wallen's "involvement and eligibility" at the 56th Academy of Country Music was halted in the wake of the controversy. ACM released a statement saying the organization does not condone intolerance or behavior that does not align with its commitment to diversity and inclusion.