CMA reverses media ban on questions about Las Vegas, gun control

The Country Music Association is reversing its decision to bar journalists from questioning attendees of its upcoming award show about the Las Vegas shooting and gun-control issues.

The CMA made the announcement in a statement to CNN on Friday after facing backlash from critics, including this year’s host, singer Brad Paisley.

I’m sure the CMA will do the right thing and rescind these ridiculous and unfair press guidelines. In 3…2….1…..

— Brad Paisley (@BradPaisley) November 3, 2017

“CMA apologizes for the recently distributed restrictions in the CMA Awards media guidelines, which have since been lifted,” the group said. 

{mosads}

“The sentiment was not to infringe and was created with the best of intentions to honor and celebrate Country Music.”

The Las Vegas shooting, the deadliest in modern U.S. history, struck a country music festival while singer Jason Aldean was performing. It left nearly 60 dead and more than 500 injured. 

“In light of recent events, and out of respect for the artists directly or indirectly involved, please refrain from focusing your coverage of the CMA Awards Red Carpet and Backstage Media Center on the Las Vegas tragedy, gun rights, political affiliations or topics of the like,” an earlier memo from the CMA read. 

“It’s vital, more so this year than in year’s past due to the sensitivities at hand, that the CMA Awards be a celebration of Country Music and the artists that make this genre so great,” it continued. “If you are reported as straying from these guidelines, your credential will be reviewed and potentially revoked via security escort.”

Paisley, set to host the event next Wednesday, offered praise for the change on Twitter:

Bravo CMA awards for doing the right thing & apologizing for this mistake. All are welcome, let’s have a great show.

— Brad Paisley (@BradPaisley) November 3, 2017