In May 2020, Wallen was arrested for public intoxication outside Kid Rock’s bar in Nashville. He later issued an apology via social media for his behavior.
Later that year, Wallen faced criticism for violating COVID-19 protocols. Videos surfaced on TikTok showing him partying without a mask in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, shortly before his scheduled Saturday Night Live debut. As a result, his appearance was postponed. However, he was invited back and performed on the December 5 episode, even appearing in a skit that referenced the incident.
On February 2, 2021, TMZ released a video showing Wallen using a racial slur while speaking with friends. Wallen later issued public apologies, both through statements and televised interviews. Industry reactions were swift—several major radio networks, including iHeartRadio and SiriusXM, temporarily removed his music, and streaming services like Apple Music and Spotify excluded him from curated playlists. The Country Music Association and CMT also removed him from their platforms, and his label, Big Loud Records, suspended his recording contract indefinitely.
Additionally, the Academy of Country Music declared him ineligible for the 56th Annual ACM Awards. As a form of restitution, Jason Isbell, who originally wrote "Cover Me Up," announced that proceeds from Wallen's cover would be donated to the NAACP.
Despite widespread backlash, Wallen's commercial success remained strong. Dangerous: The Double Album saw a sales surge following the controversy, and public support from fans continued. Wallen made a public apology on Good Morning America in July 2021, encouraging fans not to defend his behavior and acknowledging his wrongdoing.
When his single "Sand in My Boots" was released in August 2021, Wallen's music returned to country radio, signaling a gradual re-acceptance within parts of the industry. The episode marked a complex chapter in country music, illustrating both the power of accountability and the enduring appeal of Wallen’s artistry.
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