Last year, country singer Maren Morris made headlines when she suggested Tennessee should “seriously arrest her” after introducing her young son to drag queens at an LGBTQ+ benefit concert. At the time, the state had just approved a bill banning drag shows near schools.
In a recent interview on “The Kelly Clarkson Show,” Morris defended that decision. Morris, who faced harsh criticism, said the drag show her son attended was “family friendly.”
“Last year, when drug prohibition was in effect in Tennessee, we were doing charity work at Bridgestone,” she said. “There were drag queens throughout, which was fun, and one actually danced with me when I was singing the song ‘The Middle.’ And it was just amazing and fun.”
Maren Morris pays ex Ryan Hurd $2,100 a month in child support
Maren Morris introduces her young son Hayes to drag queens at the “Love Rising: Make Freedom Sing (And Dance) for Life, Freedom, and the Pursuit of Happiness” show in Tennessee last March. He defended his decision. (Getty Images)
“My son loved watching me, sitting in the makeup chair and being fascinated by the colors. It felt completely harmless,” she said of the introduction.
“But I think it’s a great expression of artistry, so I think it’s great to normalize it and make it look like it’s people who love to dress up,” she added. Ta. “It was an all-ages show, so it was completely family-friendly.”
Maren Morris spoke with fellow musician and talk show host Kelly Clarkson about introducing her son to drag shows at a young age. (Weiss Eubanks/NBC Universal via Getty Images)
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According to Variety, Morris told the crowd at the event: “I brought my son here for soundcheck earlier today, and he’s turning 3 this week, so all of Queen is getting ready and practicing. I have to go to the room I’m in,” he famously said. I put on my makeup and walked in and he was amazed, because what drag queens do is just magic. ”
“There are wigs everywhere, the smell of hairspray and wig glue, and all the sparkles and everyone is in a good mood. It’s like a room of love. … And yes, how many sons are you going to see today?” I introduced you to that drag queen. And Tennessee, I’m going to arrest you.”
Maren Morris previously suggested the state of Tennessee would “arrest” her after introducing her son to a drag queen. (Gilbert Flores/Billboard via Getty Images)
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Hayes, from Texas, who shares 4-year-old Hayes with ex-husband Ryan Hurd, told Clarkson it was important to her to see her mother championing drag queens. .
“I never set out to be this kind of activist or advocate,” Morris prefaces. After the release of her debut single “My Church” in 2016, which was criticized, Morris became convinced that she would “never win” over people “even if it felt harmless.”
Maren Morris says she realized early in her career that she would “never win.” (Taylor Hill/Getty Images for Boston Calling)
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“Becoming a mother made it clear…I want to continue playing music forever, but I want to do it on my own terms. And I want to stand up for people who really need a megaphone. “If it comes at the expense of the fans, I’m fine with you not being on the show,” she admitted.
