Hayley Williams Identifies Morgan Wallen as the “Racist Country Singer” in Her Song: “I Don’t Give a S—t”

On the track “Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party,” Hayley Williams takes aim at a “racist country singer.” In a recent interview on The New York Times’ Popcast (Sept. 30), she clarified who she meant: country star Morgan Wallen.

Speaking with journalist Jon Caramanica, Williams said that while the lyric could point to more than one person, she was specifically referring to Wallen and made clear she was unbothered by potential fallout.

The revelation follows Wallen’s widely reported controversy from several years earlier, when he was recorded using a racial slur. At the time he apologized publicly and stepped back from touring to address the fallout.

Williams — who frequently uses her platform to address racial justice — said she feels compelled to foreground these issues in her music. She pointed to another cut from her August release, “True Believer,” as an example of how activism and artistry intersect in her work.

When asked whether she cared about Wallen’s reaction, Williams replied that she did not, and emphasized that speaking out on matters of race is an ongoing priority for her. Billboard has reached out to Wallen’s representatives for comment.

Below, watch the Popcast clip and a short social embed highlighting Williams’ remarks.

Listen to the Popcast interview on YouTube

For fans and critics alike, Williams’ comments are another reminder that musicians continue to grapple publicly with accountability, race and the responsibilities that come with visibility.

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