Unapologetically standing up for what’s proper! Maren Morris was honored to be acknowledged on the 2023 GLAAD Media Awards — and couldn’t resist a refined dig at her feud with Tucker Carlson.
“High-quality, possibly I felt a little bit badass taking Tucker Carlson’s calling me a lunatic for standing as much as transphobia, turning it right into a tee-shirt and elevating $150,000 for LGBTQ+ charities, yeah,” the “Bones” songstress, 33, quipped through the Saturday, Could 13, awards ceremony. “That made me really feel a little bit cool, however I don’t wish to gloat. I’d by no means insult the lately unemployed.”
Morris had gotten right into a heated social media feud with Brittany Aldean, the spouse of nation artist Jason Aldean, for her seemingly transphobic feedback in August 2022.
“I’d actually prefer to thank my mother and father for not altering my gender after I went via my tomboy section. I like this girly life🤎✌🏼,” Brittany, 33, wrote by way of Instagram on the time, evaluating her childhood “tomboy” behaviors to that of somebody transitioning.
The blogger quickly sparked backlash from the likes of Cassadee Pope, Queer Eye’s Jonathan Van Ness and the “Tall Guys” singer.
Maren Morris with an inset of Tucker Carlson. Gregory Tempo/Shutterstock; The Photograph Entry/Cowl Pictures
“It’s really easy to, like, not be a scumbag human? Promote your clip-ins and zip it, Riot Barbie,” Morris tweeted on the time, referring to the boutique proprietor’s blonde locks and the January 6 riot on the Capitol following the 2020 presidential election.
Brittany and the Texas native continued exchanging barbs on social media, whereas backing their very own positions. After the YouTube character — who has since launched a line of conservative merch representing her opinions — went on Fox Information’ Tucker Carlson Tonight to handle the drama, the broadcaster took her facet. Carlson, 53, who was abruptly let go from the community in April, even recognized Morris as a “lunatic nation music particular person” as an alternative of mentioning her title.
The “Center” musician later reclaimed the dig, promoting official merchandise with the phrases “Lunatic Nation Music Particular person” emblazoned on it. She donated all proceeds to the Trans Lifeline and the GLAAD Transgender Media Program, elevating greater than $150,000 in lower than one week.
Morris’ frequent allyship for the LGBTQ+ neighborhood helped her earn the Excellence in Media Award at Saturday’s ceremony, which she attended alongside her husband, Ryan Hurd. The “My Crush” artist — who shares son Hayes, 3, along with her partner — is the primary nation music artist to obtain the trophy.
“Standing right here being honored by GLAAD this night doesn’t really feel fairly actual or deserving to me but,” she tearfully stated in her speech. “Coming from Arlington, Texas, to Nashville, Tennessee, 10 years in the past, my solely finish purpose on the time … was to make my songwriting desires come true. I had no clue it might finally lead me to such stunning, inclusive heights like this one tonight.”
Maren Morris Picture Press Company/NurPhoto/Shutterstock
She continued: “I first felt the acceptance of this neighborhood in my junior highschool drama class. … Throughout the college week, my queer pals had been a secure area the place I’d go to theater class, and that whole interval, we’d giggle until our sides harm, discover our footing and freedom collectively utterly unjudged. It was via their daring humor and compassion that I really figured myself out in these childhood.”
Whereas Morris is pleased with “proving my junior excessive naysayers improper” who’d make enjoyable of her for her singing, she is regularly motivated by the braveness of her pals within the queer neighborhood.
“I’ve additionally heard numerous occasions through the years that I’m one of many courageous voices in nation music. However that isn’t true. I’m not courageous, cussed to the purpose of delusional, sure, however not courageous,” she added through the ceremony. “Making the appropriate choice shouldn’t take bravery or braveness. It shouldn’t take heroic efforts to need primary equal rights for everyone. I’m a straight, white girl, I’m advantageous however leaving your own home figuring out you possibly can face violence only for being who you might be, risking your life simply by strolling down the road that’s bravery.”
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She concluded: “I need my fellow nation music artists, and artists basically, to know that inclusivity shouldn’t be solely the appropriate factor but it surely’s good for enterprise. You open your self up [and] your sound to a a lot bigger viewers even should you lose some alongside the way in which. The crowds at my exhibits are a sea of range from race, id, to age, it’s a loving secure area for my band, my crew, venue employees and most notably, my followers. This neighborhood stood up for me and made me really feel secure after I felt alone, and I’ll by no means be capable to repay you, however I hope I get to spend the remainder of my life and profession settling up.”
