Maren Morris Controversy Explained: Why Is She Quitting Country Music?

Country music is undoubtedly still one of the most popular genres in the United States, rivaling even global favorites like hip-hop and pop, despite the fact that almost no one outside of America listens to it. But despite the genre's enduring success, fans are a bit concerned about the current state of country music, as it has become much more banal and radio-friendly in recent decades, straying far from its outlaw roots.

And while fans have been calling out country artists for their regular use of misogyny, homophobia and transphobia for quite some time, none of the artists associated with the genre have agreed with the fandom until now.

Maren Morris switches genres

Earlier this week, incredibly successful country artist Maren Morris announced her departure from the country genre, revealing that the current state of the genre is not something she wants to be associated with. While it's unclear what genre Morris will pursue in the future, it's clear that the singer will never write another country anthem.

'After the Trump years, people’s biases were on full display. They were proud to be misogynistic and racist and homophobic and transphobic. All these things were being celebrated, and it was weirdly dovetailing with this hyper-masculine branch of country music,' Morris said.

Fans support the singer

While many people were sure that Morris would be canceled by country fans in the future, the exact opposite happened, with fans supporting Morris' stance on the issue, arguing that country has always been about supporting underdogs and giving everyone a chance, they deserve, not about hating people for the way they were born.

'Somewhere along the line it was decided that country music was a safe haven for racist, anti-gay, misogyny and every other intolerant ignorance that you could think of. It was hijacked by fear of anyone that didn’t look like you and now it’s acceptable to hate people and call it patriotism,' a fan said.

In addition, some fans were quick to recall how a famous country band was virtually canceled over its decision to disagree with the U.S. invasion of Iraq.

'It’s been that way for a long time. Look what they did to The Dixie Chicks just for being against the wars and Bush. A position that every Republican now swears they held when facts say otherwise,' one fan noted.

Source: Los Angeles Times, Reddit.