Country music star Brad Paisley has criticized the Country Music Association for its media guidelines concerning next Wednesday's CMA Awards show — which Paisley himself co-hosts.
The CMA has asked media outlets to avoid questions about the recent mass shooting in Las Vegas, gun rights or political affiliations at the awards show, or risk losing their credentials and being escorted by security off the premises.
"I'm sure the CMA will do the right thing and rescind these ridiculous and unfair press guidelines," Paisley wrote on Twitter on Friday. "In 3...2....1....."
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
Paisley has co-hosted the CMA Awards for a decade with Carrie Underwood.
In their media guidelines, the association said the restrictions were "out of respect for the artists directly or indirectly involved" and they wanted everyone "to feel comfortable talking to press." Media who strayed from the guidelines could have their credentials "potentially revoked via security escort."
After Paisley's tweet, other prominent artists chimed in, including previous CMA winner Maren Morris.
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
"Country music has always been about the truth," she tweeted. "Out of respect for the Las Vegas victims, let’s keep it that way."
The section of the CMA’s guidelines was first noticed Thursday by The Nashville Scene, and within hours, dozens of industry members and artists were sharing their reactions. The critics included a previous CMA nominee, Will Hoge.
On Twitter, Hoge said the CMA “should be ashamed of this. As should every journalist, artist, and writer involved in the show.”
Famed singer-songwriter Ryan Adams also chimed in, tweeting a sarcastic list of approved topics for the press, including "Bacon" and "Cussin' at snakes."
Approved topics:
— Ryan Adams (@TheRyanAdams) November 3, 2017
-Wagon Wheels
-Bacon
-Repurposed barn wood
-Cussin' at snakes
-Cammo bedsheets
-Chewin on dirt clogs
-Shortshorts
-Dangits https://t.co/nXqgDxinTW
The 51st annual CMA Awards takes place Wednesday, Nov. 8 at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tenn.
