Queer country singer Adam Mac has removed himself from the lineup of this year’s Tobacco Festival in Russellville, Kentucky after learning there were fears about him ‘promoting homosexuality or sexuality in a family friendly environment.’
The musician, 33 — who is a Russellville native — revealed the news in a video statement shared to Instagram on Thursday, where he claimed that someone who works on the board contacted him directly to share concerns over his performance.
It was also alleged that people in town were angered that a member of the LGBTQIA+ community was headlining the annual festival and planned to hold a protest at the show — something Mac called ‘disheartening.’
After processing the information, Mac informed fans that he would no longer be headlining the annual event scheduled for October 14.
He said: ‘It’s hard for me to say this but I think the best move forward is to cancel the show and let them book someone else who will not be as controversial I guess’.
Controversy: Queer country singer Adam Mac has removed himself from the lineup at this year’s Tobacco Festival in Russellville, Kentucky after learning there were fears about him ‘promoting homosexuality or sexuality in a family friendly environment’
‘I’m really sad about it,’ he added. ‘I’m working on trying to figure out a way to do something else to make it right. I really, really wanted to be there.’
The singer-songwriter says he struggled to understand exactly what fears certain board members and townspeople had about the kind of performance he planned to put on.
‘I don’t know what they expected I was going to do other than come and put on a hell of show like we do,’ he explained.
Mac, who moved to Nashville about 10 years ago, confessed he haggled over what was the right thing to do amid the growing controversy.
‘I went back and forth all night long about what is the right thing to do because a part of me feels like it would be letting down the people who need to see me most there in that space,’ he confessed.
The One That Got Away singer also felt like he would be ‘caving’ if he didn’t play the show, which he confessed ‘is not something I like to do.’
It didn’t take long before Mac received a wave of support from fans commenting on his post, which included Grammy-winner Maren Morris.
The musician, 33 — who is a Russellville native — revealed the news in a video statement shared to Instagram Thursday, where he claimed that someone who works on the board contacted him directly to share the concerns over his performance
It was also alleged that people in town were angered that a member of the LGBTQIA+ community was headlining the annual festival and planned to hold a protest at the show — something Mac called ‘disheartening’
Reluctant decision: After processing the information, Mac informed fans that he would no longer be headlining the annual event scheduled for October 14. ‘It’s hard for me to say this but I think the best move forward is to cancel the show and let them book someone else who will not be as controversial I guess,’ he said
Show of support: It didn’t take long before Mac received a wave of support from people who commented on his post, which included Grammy Award-winner Maren Morris herself
‘You are loved,’ Morris, 33, wrote, before adding, ‘I’m sorry this happened but glad you’re sharing it here.’
There was also plenty of shows of support from both friends and fans.
‘I DO NOT support any of the rebuttal you supposedly are getting from my town, shame on whoever is,’ one Russellville native shared. You are welcome at my table anytime.’
Another person professing to be from Mac’s hometown wrote, ‘This makes me so very sad. I’m embarrassed to say that this is my hometown…
‘I have seen you perform twice IN Russellville and you put on a GREAT show!! People of all ages were there watching and cheering for you….
‘As a performer, you connected every one of us in the crowd, as we were all singing your words in unison. I’m sorry, Adam. Can’t wait for the day there’s a street or building or park named after you.’
Mac sounded overwhelmed by all the support when he responded a few hours after posting his statement on Instagram.
‘Damn y’all, feeling the love so hard today. Thank you all so much. Honestly so thankful for each of you,’ he shared in the follow-up statement.
The news has sparked discussion and debate surrounding LGBTQ+ representation in the music industry and the ongoing struggle for acceptance and inclusivity, according to Foggy Media.
His brand of country: Mac most recently released a double album, Disco Cowboy
