The Country Music Association lifted its ban on questions about the Las Vegas tragedy around noon on Friday after growing social media outcry from musicians and journalists.
“CMA apologizes for the recently distributed restrictions in the CMA Awards media guidelines, which have since been lifted. The sentiment was not to infringe and was created with the best of intentions to honor and celebrate Country Music.”
Reported earlier:
The Country Music Association doesn’t want journalists asking about the Las Vegas tragedy during their annual awards next week.
In a set of media guidelines the CMA says if any journalist “strays” from their conditions, credentials could be “revoked via security escort.”
The
email first published by the
Nashville Scene
states that artists on the red carpet should not be asked about the Las Vegas shooting, political affiliations or “topics of the like.”
The organization says the evening is meant to honor musical achievements, and they want artists to feel “comfortable” talking to the press.
But country star Brad Paisley, the co-host of next week’s awards show, called the press guidelines “ridiculous and unfair.” He tweeted that he’s sure “the CMA will do the right thing and rescind” them.
I’m sure the CMA will do the right thing and rescind these ridiculous and unfair press guidelines. In 3…2….1…..— Brad Paisley (@BradPaisley)
November 3, 2017
Last month 58 people were killed and hundreds more injured at a country music festival in Las Vegas. Since then the industry and most of its biggest stars have avoided addressing gun control issues raised by the massacre.
Nashville singer Margo Price says her outspoken stance on political subjects may have led to her not being invited to the CMA award show.
And people wonder why I’m not invited….
https://t.co/wY83lUkeC3— Margo Price (@MissMargoPrice)
November 2, 2017
So far CMA officials have not responded to media outcry or requests for comment.
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