Country star Morgan Wallen suspended by label after video shows him using the N-word

Country star Morgan Wallen's recording contract has been indefinitely suspended after video emerged showing him using a racial slur.

Wallen apologized after TMZ on Tuesday published video showing the singer loudly returning home from a night out with friends on Sunday and using the N-word.

"I'm embarrassed and sorry," Wallen told TMZ. "I used an unacceptable and inappropriate racial slur that I wish I could take back. There are no excuses to use this type of language, ever. I want to sincerely apologize for using the word. I promise to do better."

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Following the video's release, Big Loud Label on Wednesday indefinitely suspended Wallen's recording contract, saying in a statement that "such behavior will not be tolerated." Country Music Television and iHeartRadio also said they would pull his music and appearances from the air, NBC News reports. His music was also pulled from SiriusXM and Pandora.

"After learning of Morgan Wallen's racial slur late last night, we are in the process of removing his appearances from all our platforms," CMT said. "We do not tolerate or condone words and actions that are in direct opposition to our core values that celebrate diversity, equity and inclusion."

The controversy comes just weeks after Wallen released his second studio album Dangerous: The Double Album, as well as less than two months after he was the musical guest on Saturday Night Live. Before his December SNL appearance, he had previously been dropped from the sketch show for violating its COVID-19 protocols by partying without a mask.