John Rich Defends Carrie Underwood After She Likes Anti-Mask Tweet

John Rich does not agree with the criticism that Carrie Underwood has received after liking a tweet protesting mask mandates at schools.

After she trending on Twitter, the Big & Rich act wrote some words to defend the American Idol alum. "I say @carrieunderwood can like whatever tweet she wants to like. Who are 'they' to shout her down? Watch out, she's a tough Okie gal:)" he told his followers. "You see what's going on here? It's 'freedom of speech unless you disagree with the mob.' #CarrieTakeTheWheel"

Underwood made waves as early as Tuesday (August 17) when word spread that she liked a video of conservative commentator Matt Walsh denouncing school mask mandates. Unsurprisingly, Walsh defended the singer, writing, “Carrie Underwood liked my video and now the mob is coming for her. She should know better than to like something that they don't like. This is an unforgivable sin."

Walsh went on to admit that he was waiting to see if Underwood backpedals on her endorsement. "How long before Carrie Underwood officially renounces me? I give it 12 hours, tops," he wrote in a since-deleted message. "I could be wrong though. I’m basing this on our general experience with celebrities who face public backlash from the left. In fairness, she could be the outlier. Time will tell."