Country music icon Garth Brooks found himself at the center of controversy recently after expressing his commitment to inclusivity during an interview with Billboard. The singer discussed his new establishment, Friends In Low Places Bar & Honky Tonk, in Nashville's South Broadway District, emphasizing his desire for it to be a safe and welcoming space for all.
While Brooks' remarks were made in response to the conservative backlash against Bud Light's partnership with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney, they drew criticism from some notable figures. Despite the backlash, Brooks remains unwavering in his stance on diversity and inclusion.
During a livestream session of Inside Studio G, Brooks directly addressed the controversy surrounding his comments. He acknowledged the stir caused by his interview and reiterated his stance on inclusivity.
You can hear what he said in the video below.
\u201c\u2764\ufe0fGARTH BROOKS: \u201cDiversity. Inclusiveness. That\u2019s me. That\u2019s always been me\u2026 diversity is the answer to our problems. If you come to our bar, come in with love.\u201d \n\n@garthbrooks addresses the unhinged backlash to his NASHVILLE bar carrying Bud Light. This is leadership.\u201d— The Tennessee Holler (@The Tennessee Holler) 1686682019
Brooks said:
“We did an interview with Melinda Newman from Billboard, and from that came quite a little bit of a stir."
"So let’s... address two things on it. One is diversity. Inclusiveness: That’s me. That’s always been me." ...
"Everybody’s got their opinions, but inclusiveness is always going to be me. I think diversity is the answer to the problems that are here and the problems that are coming. So I love diversity. All-inclusive, so all are welcome."
"I understand that that might not be other people’s opinions, but that’s OK, man. They have their opinions, they have their beliefs, I have mine.”
He went on to stress that his bar will welcome those who "come in with love" and dismissed those who "can't do that":
“Here’s the deal, man: If you want to come to Friends In Low Places, come in."
"Come in with love. Come in with tolerance, patience. Come in with an open mind, and it’s cool. And if you’re one of those people who just can’t do that, I get it."
"If you ever are one of those people who want to try, come! Let’s have some fun. I don’t know how to explain it any better than that.”
Many have praised Brooks for remaining steadfast in his commitment to creating an all-inclusive space.
\u201c@NBCNews Garth Brooks does not promote bigotry, oppression and hate and the Conservatives will abandon him for this.\n\nMany of today's Conservatives are some of the most hateful, oppressive people this country has ever seen.\u201d— NBC News (@NBC News) 1686646835
\u201cInclusivity, you gotta love a place that respects the human dignity of everyone who enters. Thanks for being kind and welcoming to those who love all their neighbors, Garth Brooks! https://t.co/a1rHQOnQZK\u201d— Rep. Gloria Johnson (@Rep. Gloria Johnson) 1686411852
\u201c@TheTNHoller @garthbrooks He\u2019s practiced what he\u2019s preached since become a public figure. Keep on being you Garth.\u201d— The Tennessee Holler (@The Tennessee Holler) 1686682019
\u201c@NOH8Campaign @garthbrooks Watch me become a Garth Brooks fan now. \ud83c\udff3\ufe0f\u200d\ud83c\udf08\u201d— NOH8 Campaign (@NOH8 Campaign) 1686624431
\u201c@NOH8Campaign @bouska @garthbrooks Hey America, be more like @garthbrooks encourage love & respect, defend against hate. Not hard to do.\u201d— NOH8 Campaign (@NOH8 Campaign) 1686624431
\u201c@TheTNHoller @Daulphin3 @garthbrooks I'm not a country music fan, or a beer fan, but between Dolly and Mr. Brooks, the inclusiveness they bring in their actions, I will pay attention, and admire their principles and share the hell out of both of them! Love is a family value!\u201d— The Tennessee Holler (@The Tennessee Holler) 1686682019
\u201c@TheTNHoller @WhereTrueLoveIs @garthbrooks Well said.. Thx for speaking out Garth Brooks!\nThis is America \ud83c\uddfa\ud83c\uddf8 Diversity is our strength \ud83c\udf1f\u201d— The Tennessee Holler (@The Tennessee Holler) 1686682019
\u201c@NBCNews Good for you Garth. Inclusivity is the way it should be.\u201d— NBC News (@NBC News) 1686646835
Brooks' remarks were made against the backdrop of the ongoing controversy surrounding Bud Light and its parent company, Anheuser-Busch.
The brand faced criticism for collaborating with transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney, with some conservatives accusing the company of being overly politically correct and directing transphobic attacks at Mulvaney.
The partnership resulted in declining sales for Bud Light, leading to the suspension of two executives involved in the endorsement.
Anheuser-Busch's response to the backlash drew criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates who viewed it as capitulating to the conservative pressure.