Morgan Wallen has issued a lengthy public apology in the aftermath of the video surfacing showing him making a racial slur.
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On Wednesday night, the 27-year-old shared a video to social media where he revealed he took time to collect his thoughts and sought guidance over the last few days. In the video that was leaked last week, Wallen could be heard calling a friend the "N-word."
“The video you saw was me on hour 72 of a 72 hour bender. And that’s not something I’m proud of either,” Wallen said. “I let so many people down, who mean so much to me and have given so much to me and it’s just not fair.”
After noting he let his parents and son down, he added,”I’m not ok with that.”
Wallen added that he apologized to the people who he personally hurt and also had “very real and honest conversations” with Black organizations and leaders.
The Country singer said the people he personally hurt have extended grace and kindness to him and that inspired him to “dig deeper.”
Wallen stressed how much words matter.
“My words matter. Words can really hurt a person and at my core that’s not what I’m ok,” he added.
While he said he’s seeing the error of his ways, Wallen admitted there is so much for him to learn.
“I’ve got many more things to learn, but I already know I don’t want to add to anymore divisions,” he said. “Our actions matter. Our words matter. I just want to encourage anyone watching to please learn from my mistake.There’s no reason to downplay what I did. It matters and please know I’m carefully choosing my next steps.”
Since the release of the video, Wallen also disclosed he’s been sober for nine days and counting.
“I want my team, my family, my friends and even strangers to trust me,” Wallen said. “Who knows if I’ll be able to live down all the mistakes I’ve made, but I’m certainly going to try.”
Wallen also had a message to people that have been defending him the last few days.
“Please don’t. I was wrong,” the singer shared. “It’s on me to take ownership for this and I fully accept any penalties I’m facing.”
He finished by indicating he will continue to work on himself.
“This entire situation is ugly right now, but I’ll keep searching for the ways to become an example instead of being made one,” Wallen said.
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