Hayley Williams has confirmed the identity of the "racist country singer" referenced in a track from her solo album.
The lead singer of Paramore officially released her album, Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party, on August 28 - marking her first release as an independent artist.
Lyric aimed at Wallen in the title track
In the title track of William's 17-track album, the 36-year-old vocalist sings about being “the biggest star / At this racist country singer’s bar”.
When Williams was questioned about whether the song’s lyrics pointed to a specific person in a recent interview with The New York Times, she didn’t mince her words.
“It could be a couple, but I’m always talking about Morgan Wallen,” she said, adding, “I don’t give a s**t.”
She further dared the 32-year-old country star to confront her in person, saying: “Meet me at Whole Foods, b***h - I don’t care.”
This isn't the first time the 'Still Into You' musician has called out Wallen.
In a previous interview with Stereogum, she previously called his Nashville bar her least favorite country music singer-owned establishment, though she never directly confirmed that the bar was the subject of her song until now.
Wallen’s Controversy and Public Apology
The 'I Got Better' singer's name has been surrounded by controversy ever since disturbing footage surfaced in 2021 showing him shouting the n-word.
The video, which was recorded by a neighbor without Wallen’s knowledge, nearly derailed his career.
Wallen addressed the controversy in an interview with Billboard, saying: “There’s no excuse. I’ve never made an excuse. I never will make an excuse. I put myself in just such a sh** spot, you know? Like, ‘You really messed up here, guy.’”
He explained that the incident made him realize the weight of his words. He has also discussed his efforts to educate himself, revealing that he had met with several Black leaders, including Universal Music Group’s Eric Hutcherson, gospel artist Bebe Winans, and the Black Music Action Coalition (BMAC).
In addition to this, he made strides in giving back to the community, donating $500,000 to various organizations, including The National Museum of African American Music and Rock Against Racism.
The conflict between Williams and Wallen, now explicitly confirmed by the 'Misery Business' musician herself, raises questions about the future dynamics between the two.
Williams has made it clear she’s not backing down from calling out Wallen’s past behavior, while it remains uncertain whether the country singer will address the Paramore frontwoman’s lyric.