Country Star 'Scared' After Backlash To His Anti-ICE Song, Backpedals Furiously With New Statement

Posted • October 8, 2025: Country star Zach Bryan is desperately trying to avoid the Dixie Chicks-Bud Light treatment after releasing a preview of some brazenly anti-ICE, America-bashing new song lyrics. Bryan gave fans a sneak peek at a song titled "Bad News." While only a minute-long clip, the Grammy-winning musician managed to offend right-leaning fans by portraying cops as "cocky motherfückers" and lamenting the "fading of the red, white and blue." Bro, the red, white, and blue have rarely been as bright as they are nine months into President Trump's second term. But it was the lyrics about ICE that truly raised the ire of conservatives, which more than likely make up a good chunk of his fan base. Now, however, it isn't just the kids who are scared. It's Bryan, as the immediate backlash left him wondering what it might mean for his career if he doesn't backpedal faster than a Russian circus bear.

In a statement released on Instagram Story, captioned "pls fückn read this," the country star says he's both "embarrassed" by and "scared" because of the reaction. Keep in mind, this is very clearly one of those 'sorry that you were offended' half-apologies as he blames the people reacting to his idiotic lyrics, not the actual idiotic lyrics he wrote. "This song is about how much I love this country and everyone in it more than anything. When you hear the rest of the song, you will understand the full context that hits on both sides of the aisle," Bryan wrote. "Everyone using this now as a weapon is only proving how devastatingly divided we all are. We need to find our way back." Maybe find your own way back, Chief, by not portraying law enforcement as terrifying kids when they're actually rescuing them from their criminal parents or guardians. 🚨 Country artist Zach Bryan has released a statement addressing criticisms of lyrics from an unreleased song of his portraying anti-ICE themes: https://x.com/townhallcom/status/1975701555899998541 (…)

• More at: RedState - Country Star ‘Scared’ Following Backlash to His Anti-ICE Song, Backpedals Furiously With New Statement
https://redstate.com/rusty-weiss/2025/10/08/country-star-scared-following-backlash-to-his-anti-ice-song-backpedals-furiously-with-new-statement-n2194846
Twitchy: Singer John Rich Calls Out Zach Bryan Over His Song Bashing ICE
https://twitchy.com/brettt/2025/10/07/singer-john-rich-calls-out-zach-bryan-over-his-song-bashing-ice-n2420048