Morgan Wallen has been banned from attending the 55th Annual CMA Awards despite a nomination in the Album of the Year category for his project Dangerous: The Double Album.
CMA CEO, Sarah Trahern broke the news telling the LA Times, Wallen would not be “celebrated in any way,” explaining the association has banned him from attending, performing or accepting an award at this year’s show. His ban also includes walking the pre-show red carpet.
“This is the first time in the history of the CMA, to my knowledge, anyone has ever been disqualified for conduct,” said Trahern. “Honoring him as an individual this year is not right, and he will not be allowed on the red carpet, on our stage, or be celebrated in any way.”
Wallen’s Album of the Year nomination arrived seven months after a video surfaced of him using a racial slur earlier this year. As a result of his actions, captured by a Nashville-area neighbor, Wallen was dropped by his label and talent agency, who have since picked him back up. His music was also dropped from several major radio stations for months, while he also lost eligibility at multiple award shows.
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As of now, the CMA has deemed Wallen ineligible for eligibility in categories where he is the sole nominee, like Male Vocalist, but has approved his eligibility to compete in categories that honor him alongside collaborators.
No word from Morgan or his team on the ban or who will accept the Album of the Year Award should Dangerous: The Double Album take home the prize.
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