Jason Aldean has responded after CMT pulled his music video for his song “Try That In a Small Town.”

Following its release as the newest single from Jason Aldean in May, “Try That In a Small Town” faced a wave of criticism upon the unveiling of its music video on July 14. While the song’s theme revolves around the familiar country music motif of small towns and firearms, some individuals argue that it carries threatening undertones with racial implications. The controversy escalated further when viewers recognized that the video had been filmed in front of the Maury County Courthouse, situated in Columbia, Tennessee.

The Maury County Courthouse holds a troubling history, serving as the backdrop for numerous instances of racial violence, most notably the Columbia Race Riot of 1946. This historical context intensified the backlash surrounding the music video. Critics argue that by choosing this particular location, Aldean inadvertently evoked painful memories and perpetuated racial tension.

The accusations against the song and its accompanying video underscore the ongoing conversation about representation, sensitivity, and cultural awareness within the entertainment industry. Many individuals called for greater accountability and urged artists to approach their creative endeavors with a heightened understanding of the historical and social implications associated with their work.

Fans Take To Social Media To Voice Concerns

Aldean has never held back on his political views and has dealt with fans not agreeing with him, but this has taken things to a different level. On social media, people have commented their opposing views such as, “Clearly you know NOTHING about the history of that building and lynching.”

Aldean fans defended his filming location choice, saying that it was purely coincidental and unintentional. But, critics are accusing the singer of being deliberate about where he filmed what they are calling a “modern lynching song.”

CMT pulled the “Try That In a Small Town” music video after it played for three days straight after receiving backlash.

According to Billboard, CMT pulled the video on Monday (July 17) after it premiered the video on Friday (July 14) and played it Saturday and Sunday as well. It is not known how many times the video was played over the weekend. CMT declined to comment further.

Jason Aldean releases statement after CMT pulls his song.

In a statement on social media, the country singer addressed CMT pulling his video for a song that has been out on the radio since May.

“There is not a single lyric in the song that references race or points to it- and there isn’t a single video clip that isn’t real news footage -and while I can try and respect others to have their own interpretation of a song with music- this one goes too far,” Jason wrote.

“As so many pointed out, I was present at Route 91-where so many lost their lives- and our community recently suffered another heartbreaking tragedy. NO ONE, including me, wants to continue to see senseless headlines or families ripped apart.”

See his full statement below.

What do you think about all of this? Watch Aldean’s music video for “Try That In a Small Town” below.