Morgan Wallen is speaking out for the first time about the controversial video that showed the country star using a racial slur.
In a five-minute video released Wednesday (February 10), Wallen expressed his regrets for saying the N-word in the now infamous clip and proceeded to implore his fans not to defend his actions.
“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,” Wallen explained in the video. “I let so many people down … I’m not OK with that.”
Wallen, who says he’s been nine days sober, goes on to tell fans he has accepted invitations from Black leaders to learn from his mistake.
“I also accepted some invitations from some amazing Black organizations, executives and leaders to engage in some real and honest conversations,” said Wallen, who admitted he was initially nervous about doing so, he added that those who were hurt by his harmful behavior “had every right to step on my neck while I was down, to not show me any grace, but they did the exact opposite.”
“My words matter and that word can truly hurt a person,” Wallen continued. “And at my core, that’s not what I’m OK with. 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.”
Speaking directly to his fans, who have been seemingly defending his actions — his sister, Ashlyne, among them — Morgan encouraged them not to.
“Lastly, I have one favor to ask. I appreciate those who still see something in me and have defended me,” the musician concluded. “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.”
Photo: Getty Images