Is Morgan Wallen Too Famous to Cancel?

Rolling Stone

Country singer Morgan Wallen has faced public backlash and industry consequences following recent controversies. 

In an era where celebrities are canceled overnight, Morgan Wallen seems untouchable. Despite controversy after controversy, his songs continue to top the charts and his fans show no sign of walking away.

Morgan Wallen's controversies highlight the inconsistencies of cancel culture, and how accountability in this industry is selective. 

Wallen is a Grammy-nominated country music singer/ songwriter from Tennessee. His original claim to fame came from his appearance on The Voice in 2014. Known for songs like You Proof, Last Night, and I Had Some Help, this country artist has gained a massive following and topped the charts with his 2023 album, One Thing at a Time.

However, despite his musical success, the singer/songwriter has had numerous controversies plague his reputation. In January of 2016, Wallen was arrested under a DUI charge which was later dismissed by the court that summer. 

One might think he'd learn his lesson after finding himself on the dark side of the spotlight, but they'd be sorely mistaken. 

In May 2020, Wallen was again arrested for charges of public intoxication and disorderly conduct after being kicked out of Kid Rock's honkey-tonk steak house in Nashville, Tennessee. 

Wallen's mug shot was taken after his May 2020 arrest.

After apologizing on Twitter to the establishments for causing the disturbance, the case was ultimately dismissed. 

Yet, the 2020 scandals weren't over for Wallen.

In October 2020, Wallen was seen partying without a face covering when COVID-19 protocols were strictly followed. He faced public backlash and was pulled from his spot as the musical guest on Saturday Night Live. Later in the year, Wallen was rebooked as the musical guest and he did a sketch mocking his earlier blunder.  

You'd think his behavior stopped there, right? Nope — it's Morgan Wallen.

In February 2021, his recording contract with Big Loud Records was suspended after he was seen using a racial slur in a TMZ video. He was eventually brought back to the record label after issuing an apology video on Instagram and seemingly repenting for his mistake.

From there he canceled his tour dates in April of 2021 and was banned from multiple award shows including the 2021 Billboard Music Awards and the American Music Awards that November. 

Over the next few years, however, Wallen seemed to get his act together. He addressed previous controversies, appeared back on stage, and advocated to get rid of cancel culture.

Then he lived happily ever after and he never did anything controversial again.

I'm obviously kidding.

In April 2024 Wallen was arrested after throwing a chair off of Eric Church's rooftop bar in Nashville and was charged with one count of disorderly conduct and three felony counts of reckless endangerment, marking his third arrest. 

Wallen was arrested after throwing a chair off a rooftop bar in Nashville.

Later on, in court, Wallen pleaded guilty to these charges and was sentenced to seven days incarceration at a DUI education center and two years probation. 

After everything Wallen's done, you'd think he would have fallen victim to cancel culture, which is the mass movement of revoking privileges and trying to blacklist public figures, often via social media.

Yet, despite everything, he continues to top the charts and make public appearances on many platforms. 

The most recent being his appearance on SNL in March 2025 where he once again stirred up trouble by walking off the set early. 

He then posted on his Instagram story shortly after his leave on the tarmac saying, "Get me to God's country."

Wallen's Instagram story shortly after
leaving the set of SNL sparked controversy.

Although Wallen has yet to comment on the incident, it hasn't stopped others from giving their opinions. SNL sketch comedian Keenan Thompson weighed in in an interview with Entertainment Weekly, saying that it was "definitely a spike in the norm" as the guests typically stay on stage to give their kudos to the cast. 

All in all, Wallen has continued to see major success in his career with sold-out shows and chart-topping hits, it makes you start to wonder, would this be handled differently in another genre?

In the public eye, Wallen has gotten out of numerous scandals and still manages to keep his name clean despite all he's done in the past. The industry and those around him see fit to protect Wallen from his scandals, but it makes you start to think if he truly should have been canceled, which clearly he isn't with his continued rise in fame. 

Although Wallen has apologized for his mistakes on numerous occasions, this shows us how the public is more willing to forgive an individual in this industry for their wrongdoing that wouldn't be nearly as minuscule if they had been committed by an ordinary person. When was the last time you heard someone say a racial slur on a widely televised broadcast and get away with it?

Wallen's continued success isn't just about catchy music, it's a reflection of who we choose to hold accountable and who we let slide. His career serves as a reminder that fame often shields people from the real-world consequences the rest of us would face. Until the industry, and the fans who fuel it, start demanding more from the artists they support apologies without action will keep being enough — and that's not just a Morgan Wallen problem. It's a cultural one. 

Show Review: Dexter

Few shows made audiences root for a serial killer like Dexter. 

It delivered thrilling moments and a complex anti-hero but lost its edge in later seasons. Now, with a prequel exploring his origins, does Dexter still hold up, or was it better left in the past?

In its earlier seasons, Dexter Morgan, played by Michael C. Hall, managed to flip morality in the public eye and make people root for the "bad guy." Michael C. Hall’s performance as Dexter Morgan carried the series, making a serial killer feel eerily relatable while maintaining an unsettling sense of detachment.

Of all eight seasons the show put on, critics acclaim season 4 as being the most stand-out one of all, with John Lithgow’s Trinity Killer delivering one of television’s most chilling antagonists.

Lithgow's performance was powerful and clearly distinguished his character from Hall's. Lithgow's character conveyed the more sinister aspects of a killer including the absence of his family, the gruesome nature of his kills, and the false demeanor that he maintained to hide his true identity. This made for an intriguing and well-balanced season and resulted in a lot of growth and change for Dexter, even resulting in the death of his wife at the end of the season.

John Lithgow (left), and Michael C. Hall
co-star in Dexter Season 4.

However, as the seasons progressed, Dexter struggled to maintain its early brilliance, with later storylines feeling increasingly convoluted and detached from what made the show compelling in the first place.

One of the most bizarre storylines of the entire show occurred in season 6 when Debra Morgan, played by Jennifer Carpenter, realized her love for Dexter went beyond a sisterly attachment. Debra’s sudden and unsettling realization that she was in love with Dexter was a plot twist that felt forced, out of character, and ultimately added little to the show beyond unnecessary sensationalism.

Another moment in the show where the plot seemed to veer from its original well-structured path was when we were introduced to Dr. Evelyn Vogal in season 8. Vogel was introduced as a neuropsychiatrist who claimed to have helped Harry Morgan, Dexter's adoptive father, create Dexter’s "code." Instead of adding depth to the plot, her storyline felt like a last-minute rewrite that weakened Harry’s role and made Dexter’s origins feel less authentic.

Journalist and critic, Nick Harley, gave his opinions on Den of Geek noting that while Charlotte Rampling's portrayal of Dr. Vogel initially seemed promising, her character's introduction 'twisted so much of the well-worn character mythology' surrounding Dexter's upbringing and the Code of Harry, making the addition feel forced and disruptive to the already established narrative.

Another point of the show that left fans disappointed was the finale as it failed to deliver the satisfying conclusion that such a layered character deserved. In the finale, Dexter's next moves are unclear as he ends up in an unknown location where he'll live out the rest of his life. Fans, including myself, also seemed to have been disappointed with Dexter's failed love story as his son ended up being left in the possession of Hannah McKay, Dexter's love interest and fellow serial killer. 

Yvonne Strahovski as Hannah McKay (left), with

 Jadon Wells as Harrison Morgan in Dexter Season 8.

Hannah McKay’s role in the final season felt rushed and unconvincing, especially in how she was suddenly positioned as Harrison’s caretaker. The idea that Dexter would abandon his son and trust him with a fugitive felt completely out of character, making the already controversial finale even harder to justify.

In all, Dexter had its perks and there was a mix of brilliance and confusion in the writing of the show. Although I would recommend this show to anyone interested, I would just prepare yourself for the disappointment you will most likely feel at the tail end of the show. 

Milton Ray Simmons Obituary

Milton Ray Simmons, whose family and friends knew him as Ray, has died. He was 73.

Simmons passed away unexpectedly of a heart attack on Tuesday, November 29, 2022. His final moments were spent at Holy Family Hospital in Methuen, MA. He was surrounded by family. 

Simmons (Left) with his wife and grandchildren.

As an avid fisherman and Elvis enthusiast, Simmons enjoyed many things. He often went out on his boat to fish. One of his favorite events of the year was his annual bass fishing trip he took with his two brothers. He loved his family and was always there to support them. From piano and voice recitals to hockey and lacrosse games, Simmons was there for it all up until the very end. 

His family would tell you he was the greatest man they ever knew. Simmons had a kind heart and spirit that shined bright always. He left a lasting impact on everyone who knew and met him, and even though his spirit has moved on, he lives forever in the hearts of many. His loving smile and infectious laugh will be remembered for years to come, and the impact he made on his family and country will never be forgotten. 

Simmons was a retired U.S. Army veteran who fought for our country in Vietnam. He was proud to be a veteran and wore that title with pride. Simmons graduated from Ayer High School before he became a soldier. After retiring from the Army, Simmons found comfort in his family, living a simple life with his wife, Madeleine Simmons. 

Simmons was born in Birmingham, Alabama, on October 13, 1949, to Fred and Edith (Wheeler) Simmons. He moved to Shirley, MA, where he grew up and attended school. Simmons remained in MA for the remainder of his life and created a beautiful life there with family nearby. He spent his later life with his loving wife, Madeleine, in Methuen, a short drive away from many of his children and grandchildren. 

Simmons and his
grandson, Ethan.

Simmons was present for numerous momentous occasions that wouldn't have been the same without him. He got to see two of his grandchildren graduate from high school before he passed, and he's watched the rest of them graduate from a greater place. Even after his passing, Simmons would never stop supporting those he loved. 

Simmons is preceded by a long list of loving family members: his wife Madeleine; his children Michael, Amy, Matt, and Christian; his grandchildren Ethan, Lauren, Julia, Rachel, Haley, and Brody; and his siblings Judy, John, Paul, Joyce, and Dianne, along with numerous nieces and nephews. 

Angelica Jade Bastién: The Viper Slut

Finding a journalist to look up to can be challenging. For me, I tend to connect with writers who take a more creative and lyrical approach to their work, ones who make journalism feel like an art form.

That’s why I admire Angelica Jade Bastién.

Angelica Jade Bastién, critic at Vulture, is
celebrated for her fearless, deeply personal
writing that challenges conventional narratives
in film and television.

Bastién is a culture writer and film/TV critic, best known for her work with Vulture, where she covers everything from classic Hollywood to contemporary prestige TV. One of the things I love most about her writing is how poetic it feels while still delivering sharp, insightful criticism. Her style is rich and expressive, blending personal reflection with deep analysis.

I wasn't too surprised to find out that she's also a fiction writer, as am I. 

I’ve always been drawn to pop culture and Hollywood when it comes to opinion writing, and Bastién is a great example of how to do it well. She doesn’t just review films; she digs into their lasting influence, the psychology of performances, and the larger issues that shape them. Whether she’s analyzing classic Hollywood or topics like representation and diversity, her work goes beyond surface-level.

For example, in an episode of This Movie Changed Me, Bastién talks about the personal significance of the 1942 film Now, Voyager. She describes how its portrayal of mental illness resonates with her own experiences, showing how film can be both art and sanctuary. I love how she brings such a personal, layered approach to her criticism; it makes her work feel even more impactful.

As a journalism major, it’s no surprise that I love writing, but beyond journalistic writing, creative writing is also a big part of my life. I write poetry and short stories in my free time, which is probably why Bastién’s style speaks to me more than most. She proves that journalism can be both analytical and artistic, and Vulture is the perfect place for that kind of writing.

And you’ll never guess her nickname, but of course, I’m going to tell you. Bastién sometimes goes by ‘Viper Slut,’ calling herself a ‘writer of the real and unreal. A woman of fire and music.’ It’s on the bold side, but honestly, it fits. Her writing is sharp, passionate, and willing to push boundaries, just like her nickname suggests.

Vulture gives writers a space to have strong personal voices, balancing entertainment coverage with deeper, more serious takes. It’s also known for its sharp, sometimes controversial takes, which makes it a great fit for Bastién’s bold and inward-looking style.

Her ability to combine deep analysis with creative expression is something I really admire. In the future, I hope to develop a voice as strong and confident as hers, one that blends storytelling with journalism in a way that feels both meaningful and uniquely my own. 

Jojo Siwa’s Cringe Era: From Kid Star to Try-Hard

Jojo Siwa wants to be taken seriously, but her desperate attempt at reinvention is anything but serious.

Jojo Siwa through the eras.

Siwa built her brand as a child star, and for a while, she owned it. But then, the inevitable child star ego kicked in, and suddenly, making music for little kids wasn’t her thing anymore. A few years ago, I might have said she was an inspiration, a role model for young girls. Now? Every time she pops up on my phone, I feel an overwhelming urge to chuck it across the room.

If you’re wondering why, then you clearly haven’t seen the train wreck that is Siwa’s media presence over the past year.

And if you think I’m being dramatic, just listen to what she has to say about herself:

"I will never claim to be a singer, but I will claim to be an artist. I am giving the world art, and they might not like it, they might hate it, but they're enjoying it," Siwa said on Call Her Daddy. "And it's become a bit of a guilty pleasure for everyone."

Following the end of her Nickelodeon contract, Siwa finally had full creative control over her music and she took it in a drastically different direction. She went from singing about resilience and self-empowerment to releasing raunchy relationship songs, leaning heavily into a newfound (and frankly, unwanted) sexual persona.

Siwa still performs songs for her younger fans, like Boomerang and Every Girl’s a Super Girl, but now, she’s also pushing out tracks like Karma and Guilty Pleasure—songs she performs while grabbing her crotch and grinding on girls for the entirety of the set. And she does it knowing full well that many of her listeners are still kids.

Siwa drinks from a Titos bottle

during a performance.

But according to Siwa, this transformation was all part of the plan.

“I've seen people before me make this transition, I've seen how much I loved it, and I've seen also how much the world has criticized us, so I am ready for that," she said. "One thing that I think no one's done is given the heads-up."

Siwa flooded social media with content leading up to her new music, almost daring the public to believe she could be the next breakout diva. But she was sorely mistaken. Instead of the reinvention people wanted, she delivered a version of herself no one asked for. And yet, the backlash and controversy seem to be exactly what she was aiming for—a moment in the spotlight, whether she stands in it or merely lurks in its shadows.

One thing is certain: the spotlight will stay on her, but not in the way anyone ever expected.

Lauren Schena in 500 Words

I was broken down from a young age.

Starting my all-star cheerleading career at the age of 8, I set myself up for scrutiny that would shape the person I am today.

Would I ever do it again? Absolutely not, but I wouldn't trade what I learned. 

I started my cheerleading career as a flyer, not because it was the best position for me but because I was the 80-pound 8-year-old who was the easiest to throw around. I think a lot of my self-doubt came from flying.

One of the most difficult things about being a flyer was that the group was designated "your" group. It didn't matter who made the mistake, if I fell, it was my name being screamed at full volume. Not to mention I would get blamed by my stunt group whenever possible. As a little kid, this destroyed my self-esteem.

After three years of flying, I quit to become a base and never went back.

It didn't surprise me that years of relentless blame and pressure were too much to handle before hitting double digits. 

When I became a base, I thought I was on top of the world. I'd finally found something I was good at that didn't scare me. I'd even gotten on a higher-level team as a base the following season. Then, after relentless hard work and dedication, I became captain, and for the first time, I felt accepted by my team. 

That's when things came crashing down. 

In eighth grade, right after being appointed team captain, I fractured my spine and was benched for six months.

I went from being my coach's favorite athlete to being shunned every practice. I lost the respect of my teammates and I hardly felt like a captain, yet I never missed a single practice. Then, come the end of the season, I was able to return for our last three competitions and even helped us get third at nationals. However, never once was I recognized for the work I put in and the dedication I had to my team throughout my injury.

Although I was able to recover physically, I could never shake the feeling that I had become invisible to everyone in the cheer community when I lost my athletic value. My coaches and teammates peered through me until they had a use for me again, and it was the most diminishing feeling I'd ever felt in my life. 

Then, come the following season, things were finally starting to look up. I made my dream team after recovering from my injury and I was so proud of myself. However, it didn't take long for me to see the negative side of cheerleading after falling from where I once was. 

Girls who were once my friends and teammates were now ignoring and making fun of me. Coaches who I once respected were making my life miserable. I didn't realize how sour the community could be until I was faced with so much negativity. My injury took a toll on my body, and I wasn't the athlete I once was on the other side of it, I couldn't help but think that I was being looked down on because of that. The truth was, I was useless to my coaches and I was passable to my teammates. I only lasted another season after that before I quit altogether. 

I think the adversity and negativity of this environment thickened my skin and made me stronger. I won't ever let people treat me the way I was treated during my time as a cheerleader, and with just that one personal mandate, my life has already improved.