Shaboozey Defends Megan Moroney Amid Backlash Over Carter Family Country Music Comment at 2025 AMAs
Country music star Shaboozey is speaking out in defense of fellow artist Megan Moroney after a viral moment at the 2025 American Music Awards sparked online backlash. The controversy stems from a comment Moroney made onstage, crediting the Carter Family as the ones who “basically invented country music”—a statement that quickly ignited a flurry of debate across social media about the origins of the genre and the influence of Black musicians.
During the AMAs, Shaboozey and Moroney teamed up to present the award for Favorite Country Duo or Group. As part of their scripted monologue, the “Tennessee Orange” singer read from the teleprompter, saying, “This award went to the Carter Family, who basically invented country music.” Shaboozey’s visible side-eye at the statement became a viral meme almost instantly, with many interpreting it as a subtle critique of the erasure of Black contributions to country music.
Shaboozey quickly took to social media to clarify his reaction and redirect the conversation. On Tuesday, he posted on X (formerly Twitter), “When you uncover the true history of country music, you find a story so powerful that it cannot be erased.” He followed that up with another post: “The real history of country music is about people coming together despite their differences, and embracing and celebrating the things that make us alike.”
In a show of unity and to clear the air, Shaboozey addressed Moroney directly in the comment section of one of her AMA recap posts on Instagram. “My reaction at the AMAs had nothing to do with Megan Moroney,” he emphasized, before condemning the negative messages she had received online. “I’ve seen some hateful comments directed at her today, and that’s not what this moment was about. Let’s not twist the message—she is amazing and someone who represents the country community in the highest light!”
He went on to praise Moroney as “an incredibly talented, hard-working artist who’s doing amazing things for country music,” adding that he has “nothing but respect for her.” His words reflect an effort not only to defend Moroney personally but to steer the broader conversation toward unity and education rather than division.
In a since-deleted post, Shaboozey urged fans to learn more about foundational Black artists who influenced the country genre, such as Lesley Riddle, Steve Tarter, Harry Gay, and DeFord Bailey. Notably, Lesley Riddle is widely recognized for his work with A.P. Carter, helping collect songs and even teaching Maybelle Carter guitar techniques that became central to the Carter Family sound.
While the Carter Family is celebrated as the “first family of country music” by institutions like the Country Music Hall of Fame, there’s a growing public awareness about the vital—but often underrepresented—role of Black artists in shaping the genre. This discussion has come into greater focus in recent years, especially after the release of Beyoncé’s groundbreaking 2024 country album, Cowboy Carter.
Beyoncé used the album’s release to highlight overlooked Black pioneers in country, dedicating her Grammy win for Album of the Year to trailblazer Linda Martell. Martell’s voice was prominently featured on Cowboy Carter in songs like “Spaghettii” and “The Linda Martell Show.” In a post ahead of the album drop, Beyoncé revealed that her deep dive into the genre’s history was prompted by a feeling of exclusion when she first ventured into country music. “It was very clear that I wasn’t [welcomed],” she wrote. “But, because of that experience, I did a deeper dive into the history of country music and studied our rich musical archive.”
Moments like the one between Shaboozey and Megan Moroney at the AMAs serve as important cultural flashpoints—sparking deeper reflection, necessary dialogue, and hopefully, lasting change in the way music history is taught and understood. And while the Carter Family’s legacy remains significant, the ongoing effort to recognize the diverse roots of country music ensures that all of its founding voices, including Black artists, are finally heard and honored.