Singer K. Michelle Defends Morgan Wallen Following His 'Racist' Past: 'He Is Black Culture'

Singer K. Michelle defended her friendship with Morgan Wallen amid renewed discussion of his past use of the N-word, which drew backlash in 2021. Speaking on iHeart’s The Breakfast Club on August 3, ahead of the October release of her debut country album Jesus and Whiskey and the July 31 rollout of its new single, Michelle said Wallen had been her favorite artist. When host Charlamagne tha God referenced Wallen’s January 2021 incident in Nashville, Michelle acknowledged he was wrong for using the word but argued people “pick and choose” their outrage. She claimed some non-Black groups get a pass, and said Wallen is “black culture” who loves it, though she added that the term remains hurtful to her people. The discussion also touched on consequences after the incident, including restrictions tied to major awards.