While appearing on a recent episode of Rolling Stone’s Music Now Podcast, Hootie and the Blowfish vocalist Darius Rucker expressed his feelings toward Morgan Wallen and his infamous use of the N-word. According to Rucker, it’s time for holdouts like the CMAs and the ACMs to forgive the massively popular star.

“I think Morgan’s become a better person since that,” Rucker said in the interview. “I’ve known Morgan a long time. Since all that happened, Morgan’s tried to really better himself and become a better person and see the world in a much better, better way.”

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Rucker continued, “He’s still not out for CMAs and ACMs. They can say what they want, but the fact that Morgan Wallen is not up for Entertainer of the Year and those things is crazy. No one’s selling more tickets than Morgan.”

Wallen initially got into trouble for his use of the N-word in 2021, when video of him using it emerged online. In the immediate aftermath, Wallen shared a statement apologizing for his conduct.

“I’m embarrassed and sorry. I used an unacceptable and inappropriate racial slur that I wish I could take back,” he said. “There are no excuses to use this type of language, ever. I want to sincerely apologize for using the word. I promise to do better.”

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Despite the controversy and subsequently losing radio play and his eligibility for ACM awards, his music continued to skyrocket in popularity. He even nabbed a No. 1 album in the weeks following with Dangerous: The Double Album. In the years since, he’s continued to dominate the country music scene, with massive hits like 2023’s “Last Night.”

For his part, Wallen has taken a series of actions to attempt to showcase his regret. He donated songwriting royalties to the NAACP and also pledged $500,000 to Black-led organizations. Seemingly, he has been re-embraced by audiences and the industry, as he’s gone on to perform at the Billboard Music Awards and collaborate with artists like Post Malone.

Wallen hasn’t been able to keep his record completely clean, however, as in April he faced felony charges for throwing a chair off of the roof of a Nashville bar.

Both Hootie and the Blowfish and Morgan Wallen have a slew of dates set for 2024. Grab tickets to Hootie and the Blowfish’s upcoming tour here, and buy Morgan Wallen tickets here.