Luke Combs, a prominent figure in contemporary country music, has publicly addressed and apologized for his past association with the Confederate flag. This occurred during a virtual Country Radio Seminar panel in Nashville on Wednesday, February 17th, where the conversation centered around accountability and the future of country music. The controversy stems from images and a 2015 video where Combs was seen with the Confederate flag.
Combs expressed remorse for his past actions, stating, "As I've grown in my time as an artist, and as the world has changed drastically in the last five to seven years, I am now aware how painful that image can be. I would never want to be associated with something that brings so much hurt to someone else." He further added, "There's no excuse for those images." He mentioned that as a younger man, he associated the image with something else, but now understands the pain it inflicts.
The images in question include a video appearance in Ryan Upchurch's "Can I Get a Outlaw" from 2015, where Combs was seen performing in front of Confederate flags. Additionally, photos of Combs playing a guitar adorned with Confederate flag stickers have circulated on social media, particularly in the wake of the Morgan Wallen racism controversy.
During the Country Radio Seminar event, Combs told moderator Ann Powers and participant Maren Morris that he himself has changed over the years. He emphasized his desire to be at the forefront of a more inclusive era of country music. "I'm here to learn," he said, adding, "I feel like I'm at this highly successful moment of my career, and I couldn't just sit back and not do anything."
Combs stated, “I’m a living, mouth-breathing example that people can change,” and expressed his hope that country music can be a family everyone can be a part of.
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Maren Morris, who also participated in the panel, admitted to facing criticism for her album, Girl, due to its R&B influence and the absence of Black artists. She acknowledged the issue of cultural appropriation, stating, "I have got to correct that and acknowledge that. Yeah, absolutely, cultural appropriation, culture 'vulturing' is a real thing. I love country music so much. I have my version of it, of what I make.”
Morris also spoke about the importance of supporting Black artists in the genre, saying, "There’s an influx of Black talent, and it’s only going to make our genre, our songs, what we consider catchy, better." She also addressed the Confederate flags seen at country music festivals, stating, “At these country music festivals, I see the Confederate flags in the parking lots. I don’t want to play those festivals anymore. If you were a Black person, would you ever feel safe going to a show with those flying in the parking lot?”
Combs' apology sparked mixed reactions from fans. He told The New York Times that "There were fans that were upset that I apologized and fans that were glad I did. That was a tough time. Before it was all roses, then this thing happens, and it's like, 'Hey man, you're a racist.' I've never been that political of a dude, but someone telling me I'm racist was a big problem for me because I'm not racist."
Ryan Upchurch, in whose video Combs appeared, responded to the controversy in a YouTube video, without directly naming Combs. He objected to apologies related to the Confederate flag and the backlash against Morgan Wallen. Upchurch stated, “I am friends with quite a few country singers and a lot of them have to stay silent. They can’t speak their minds because they’re stuck in these little cliques. None of this was problematic until there was a problem. I’ve been preaching unity since day one, and I’m a guy who has the Confederate flag tattooed on me for life. There didn’t need to be another country singer saying the N-word for me to preach unity between blacks and whites.” He further added that he didn’t think anyone needed to apologize or change.
Combs' comments and apology came amidst a national reckoning regarding the use of the Confederate flag and a broader conversation about racism and inclusivity in country music. Following these controversies, CMA Fest banned the Confederate flag, and NASCAR has taken similar steps.
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Combs justified his apology by acknowledging his platform and his desire to use it for good. “I know that I am a highly visible member of the country music community right now and I want to use that position for good,” he said. He has emphasized his commitment to learning and growing, stating, "I’m just looking to be here and not say ‘I’m so sorry, please forgive me.’ I’m trying to learn. I’m trying to get better."
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