Aldean defends video "Try That in a Small Town"'; CMT pulls it

No reason was given for the CMT decision. The decision was first reported by Billboard.

Aldean, who has engaged in political controversy before, did not write the song, which challenges those who protest the police and burn the flag to "try that in a small town."

Aldean tweeted, "In the past 24 hours I have been accused of releasing a pro-lynching song (a song that has been out since May) and was subject to the comparison that I (direct quote) was not too pleased with the nationwide BLM protests. These references are not only meritless, but dangerous. There is not a single lyric in the song that references race or points to it - and there isn't a single video clip that isn't real news footage - and while I can try and respect others to have their own interpretation of a song with music- this one goes too far.

"As so many pointed out, I was present at Route 91-where so many lost their lives- and our community recently suffered another heartbreaking tragedy. NO ONE, including me, wants to continue to see senseless headlines or families ripped apart."

"Try That In A Small Town, for me, refers to the feeling of a community that I had growing up, where we took care of our neighbors, regardless of differences of background or belief. Because they were our neighbors, and that was above any differences. My political views have never been something I've hidden from, and I know that a lot of us in this Country don't agree on how we get back to a sense of normalcy where we go at least a day without a headline that keeps us up at night. But the desire for it to- that's what this song is about."

The lyrics include the lines:
" "Yeah, ya think you're tough? Well, try that in a small town, see how far ya make it down the road. Around here, we take care of our own, you cross that line, it won't take long for you to find out, I recommend you don't.""

The video was said to have been shot in front of Maury County Courthouse in Columbia, Tenn., where a black man, Harry Choate, was lynched by a white mob after dragging his body through the streets with a car in 1927.

Further adding to the controversy was that Aldean as performing in Las Vegas when a gunman randomly killed 58 people.

Aldean previously was involved in a brouhaha for he and his family wearing clothing that opposed President Biden. Aldean defended his actions.

Sheryl Crow lashed out at Aldean on Twitter: "I'm from a small town. Even people in small towns are sick of violence.There's nothing small-town or American about promoting violence. You should know that better than anyone having survived a mass shooting. This is not American or small town-like. It's just lame."