Apparently a gag order regarding mentioning anything about Morgan Wallen during the ACM Awards is in place. Although it isn’t being formally stated, There has been a lot of discussions being communicated through “unofficial channels.”
According to Digital Music News, “One source close to the Academy specifically noted that Wallen “cannot and will not be mentioned” at any point during the broadcast, while also noting that even covert nods to “the elephant in the room” will not be tolerated.”
Last month, the Academy of Country Music disqualified Morgan Wallen from any eligibility for awards after video emerged of the singer uttering the n-word outside of his home.
The singer’s latest album, Dangerous: The Double Album, has been number one for eighth-straight weeks, breaking a 64-year-old country music sales record.
Wallen has already been removed from any official Country Music Awards materials, including the awards show website. The award for Male Artist of the Year is between Chris Stapleton, Eric Church, Luke Bryan, Luke Combs, and Dierks Bentley,
Within the industry, there have been some advocating for letting Wallen return. Whether the ACM Awards offers Wallen that opportunity is unclear. Wallen did issue an apology over his use of the racial slur shortly after the incident with no avail. His apology had little effect on getting reinstated on many of the country radio stations. Spotify did reinstated Wallen into a number of its country playlists, and even released an enhanced album version of Dangerous.
The 56th Academy of Country Music Awards is scheduled to be broadcasted on Sunday, April 18th on CBS.