CMA Awards co-host Brad Paisley is speaking out via Twitter regarding suggested media guidelines from the Country Music Association for their upcoming show on Nov. 8.
The CMA requested media members refrain from talking about the Las Vegas shooting tragedy on Oct. 1 that killed 58 people and injured more than 500 during Jason Aldean’s set at the Route 91 Harvest music festival.
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
A portion of the CMA media guidelines is below:
By accepting a media credential to the CMA Awards, you are agreeing that you (and all representatives from your organization) have read the Media Guidelines and agree to follow them. Anyone found violating the Media Guidelines risks forfeiting their CMA Awards credentials.
In light of recent events, and out of respect for the artists directly or indirectly involved, please refrain from focusing your coverage of the CMA Awards Red Carpet and Backstage Media Center on the Las Vegas tragedy, gun rights, political affiliations or topics of the like. It’s vital, more so this year than in year’s past due to the sensitivities at hand, that the CMA Awards be a celebration of Country Music and the artists that make this genre so great. It’s an evening to honor the outstanding achievements in Country Music of the previous year and we want everyone to feel comfortable talking to press about this exciting time. If you are reported as straying from these guidelines, your credential will be reviewed and potentially revoked via security escort. We appreciate your cooperation in advance. If you have any concerns on your coverage plans, please reach out to the CMA Communications team in advance so we can be a great partner as we celebrate “The 51st Annual CMA Awards.”
Maren Morris also chimed in via Twitter.
Country music has always been about the truth. Out of respect for the Las Vegas victims, let’s keep it that way.
— MAREN MORRIS (@MarenMorris) November 3, 2017
We’ll keep you posted on updates.
[Update—11:52 a.m.]
The Country Music Association released a statement, which lifted the media guidelines. You can read the statement below.
“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.”
Bravo CMA awards for doing the right thing & apologizing for this mistake. All are welcome, let’s have a great show.
— Brad Paisley (@BradPaisley) November 3, 2017
