After Republicans in the Tennessee state legislature blocked a resolution honoring Black singer and Grammy winner Allison Russell while approving a resolution to honor the band Paramore, the band rejected the honor and called out the GOP's "blatant racism."
The controversy emerged when State Representative Justin Jones—a Democrat from Nashville best known as one of the "Tennessee Three" who was nearly permanently expelled for participating in a protest against gun violence—proposed resolutions to recognize Paramore and Allison Russell for their Grammy Awards.
While the resolution for Paramore passed without objection, House Republican Caucus Chair Jeremy Faison objected to the resolution for Russell, effectively sending it back to committee—a move often viewed as an attempt to stall or kill a bill.
The key distinction between the two musical acts that has raised eyebrows is the race and identity of their members. Paramore, a predominantly white group, faced no objections, while Allison Russell, a queer Black woman, encountered resistance from Republicans.
Paramore's lead singer Hayley Williams soon spoke out, telling The Tennessean that the move by the state's Republicans is a display of "blatant racism":
“For those that don’t know, Allison Russell is an incredibly talented musician and songwriter. Her music spans genres with strong ties to the Folk/Americana scenes. You might have seen her on the Grammy stage performing with the great Joni Mitchell"
“Oh, she is also Black. She’s a brilliant Black woman.”
“The blatant racism of our state leadership is embarrassing and cruel. Myself, as well as Paramore, will continue to encourage young people to show up to vote with equality in mind."
Many joined the band in criticizing the Tennessee GOP's decision.
Paramore is no stranger to making political statements.
Last year, Williams addressed supporters of Florida Republican Governor Ron DeSantis, saying they are "fucking dead to me."
Williams' remarks were a response to DeSantis championing legislation such as the "Don't Say Gay" law that blocks schools from teaching certain aspects of history related to race and gender. Williams previously condemned the law during a concert by inserting the word "gay" into every song.
Paramore also collectively shut down demands to "not policitize" a mass shooting at Club Q, a gay nightclub in Colorado Springs, Colorado.
The band stressed in an open letter posted to Twitter that "hatred and prejudice against any marginalized group is historically political." The band went further, noting politicians and others in power "have a choice" to act just as those who perpetrate mass shootings have made "a choice in favor of hatred."
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