Country singer John Rich has claimed Jelly Roll knew he could lose half his fanbase after speaking out on politics, suggesting the star was prepared for the backlash.
The Amaze singer warned that the Save Me singer’s political views could cost him a sizable share of his loyal fanbase.
Roll sparked controversy among country fans after candidly sharing his political views on Jimmy Kimmel Live!.
During an appearance on The Benny Show, Rich said country music fans have long valued artists who are authentic and unafraid to speak their minds.
Rich contrasted singers who follow the crowd with those who stand firmly by their beliefs, pointing to country icons including Johnny Cash, Merle Haggard, Loretta Lynn and Dolly Parton as examples of artists who valued truth-telling.
“He knows how this works, OK? He knows who the audience is,” the country music singer claimed. “And so I have to think he really believes every single word he said, or he wouldn’t have said it.”
“Because you know when you make statements that are that hardcore and to a large extent counteractive to the presentation you’ve been making – you do understand in country music that half or more of your audience may disown you,” Rich added.
“They may turn their back on you. They may stop listening to you. They may turn you off. But you make the statement anyway.”
Rich likened Jelly Roll’s situation to his own decision to speak out politically, despite anticipating backlash, which he claimed resulted in losing radio support, a record deal and award-show invitations.
To note, Jelly Roll clarified his political views while filling in for Kimmel, where he also made jokes about President Donald Trump.
Rich argued that fans reacted strongly because Jelly Roll’s political views came as a surprise, rather than because of the views themselves.
