Jason Aldean Denies New Music Video is 'Pro-Lynching' Amidst Backlash

Country star Jason Aldean refutes claims that his latest music video promotes vigilante gun violence and racism, following its removal from Country Music Television. Critics and supporters debate the true message behind "Try That In A Small Town."

US country artist Jason Aldean has firmly denied allegations that his newly released music video, "Try That In A Small Town," advocates vigilante gun violence and supports racist themes. The video, which was taken off air by Country Music Television, faced swift criticism shortly after its release, prompting Aldean to defend his creative work on social media.

The three-minute video depicts masked protesters, Molotov cocktails, a burning American flag, and surveillance footage of robberies. These visuals, combined with Aldean's lyrics referencing "a gun that my granddad gave me" and communities "full of good ol' boys, raised up right," sparked controversy, leading some to accuse the singer of promoting violence.

However, Aldean, 46, took to Twitter to dispute the allegations, dismissing them as "meritless" and "dangerous." The country star maintained that his song is not about race but instead a celebration of the values and camaraderie found in small towns.

"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 the comparison that I (direct quote) was not too pleased with the nationwide BLM protests," Aldean stated, referring to the Black Lives Matter movement. "These references are not only meritless but dangerous," he emphasized.

Sheryl Crow, another prominent country artist, publicly criticized Aldean, accusing him of "promoting violence" and arguing that violence has no place in small towns or American culture. The video's backdrop, the courthouse in Columbia, Tennessee, drew attention from critics due to its historical association with racial violence, as a young black man, Henry Choate, was lynched by a white mob at the same location in 1927.

On the other hand, Aldean's supporters rallied in his defense, citing the artist's intention to convey a sense of community and self-defense in his small-town upbringing. They questioned the discrepancy in media treatment, pointing out that rap songs glorifying violence often face less scrutiny.

Aldean also reminded the public of his personal experience with gun violence during the 2017 Las Vegas outdoor music festival shooting, where 58 people lost their lives. He emphasized his desire to see an end to senseless violence and family tragedies.

As opinions continue to diverge, "Try That In A Small Town" remains a divisive subject, with some arguing for artistic expression and others voicing concern over the potential impact of its message. The controversy has not dampened its popularity, as the song reached the top spot on Apple's iTunes download chart as of Wednesday. The debate surrounding the video's content and intent is likely to persist in the coming days.