Morgan Wallen's Middle Finger Sparks Controversy in Charley Crockett and Gavin Adcock Feud
Morgan Wallen ignited controversy during a recent performance at the Rogers Centre in Toronto by flipping off a Charley Crockett T-shirt held by Gavin Adcock. This action has been widely interpreted as Wallen weighing in on the ongoing debate between Adcock and Crockett regarding authenticity within the country music genre.
The Incident at Rogers Centre
During Wallen's "I'm the Problem" tour performance on Thursday, he invited Adcock on stage. Adcock then displayed a T-shirt seemingly featuring Crockett and the text "$10 Cowboy Tour," matching merchandise sold by Crockett. Wallen responded by holding up two middle fingers in front of the shirt, smiling, and then continuing with the show. Representatives for Wallen, Crockett, and Adcock have not yet commented on the incident.
Background of the Feud
The tension between Crockett and Adcock began last month when Crockett addressed country music fans on social media, questioning the definition of "authenticity." He wrote, "Hey country folks. Beyoncé ain’t the source of your discontent. It was 25 years of bro country." Crockett also appeared to reference Wallen, noting that the "#1 country artist on earth listen's [sic] to nothing but rap," and Adcock, who criticized Beyoncé's "Cowboy Carter" album. Adcock later defended his remarks on Rolling Stone's Nashville Now podcast.
In response to Adcock's comments, Crockett posted on Instagram: "Black music made me. I will not apologize. Raised by a single mama. I am not ashamed. Many men have tried to destroy me. I will not lose." Crockett also criticized the pop-country industry during his appearance on Rolling Stone's Nashville Now, stating, "I don’t think they stand for anything. They stand for Auto-Tune and songs written by a committee."
Crockett Attempts to Diffuse the Situation
Following the Morgan Wallen incident, Charley Crockett seemingly addressed the ongoing drama in a recent Instagram post. Crockett appears to be removing himself from the feud. He wrote that artists should be good to each other.
“We don’t have to agree on much. You’re all welcome here. If I could ask one thing of you right now, please just be good to each other."
Origins of the Crockett-Adcock Conflict
The animosity between Charley Crockett and Gavin Adcock intensified after Crockett's social media rant. Crockett called out bro-country and defended Beyoncé. He mentioned that the number one star doesn't listen to country, but respects his honesty. Many took this as a shot toward Gavin Adcock, who spoke out against Beyoncé's crossover to country music.
Gavin Adcock retaliated by calling Crockett a "cosplay cowboy" on social media. He referenced Crockett’s covers, stating he should be focused on original music.
A Brief Attempt at Reconciliation
There was a moment of potential peace when Charley Crockett gifted Gavin Adcock 60 roses and a copy of his album, Dollar A Day, at a venue in Kansas. While Adcock thanked Crockett, he continued to shade him on Twitter. He critized Crockett and his view about Beyoncé.
Adcock later shared a video about Charley Crockett's busking days in New York City, attempting to discredit his current country image.
Wallen Joins the Fray
While Gavin Adcock immediately responded to Charley Crockett's comments, Morgan Wallen remained silent initially. Wallen then took a side. At the Rogers Centre in Toronto, while Adcock opened, Wallen gave a Charley Crockett shirt the double bird. This made the dispute more popular. However, Charley Crockett is wanting to put the feud to bed.
Crockett’s Final Word?
Charley Crockett appears to want peace. Crockett acknowledged the bigger picture and urged fans to be good to each other, while still joking about Wallen and Adcock.
He ended by saying, “We don’t have to agree on much. You’re all welcome here. If I could ask one thing of you right now, please just be good to each other.”
