Paramore Reject Tennessee Legislature Honor Over ‘Blatant Racism’

Paramore have declined a Tennessee resolution honoring the band for their recent Grammy win after the state's House of Representatives rejected a similar resolution celebrating Allison Russell. Paramore singer Hayley Williams blasted the "blatant racism of the state leadership" while commenting on Republican Caucus Chair Jeremy Faison's objection. "For those that don't know, Allison Russell…

Paramore have declined a Tennessee resolution honoring the band for their recent Grammy win after the state’s House of Representatives rejected a similar resolution celebrating Allison Russell.

Paramore singer Hayley Williams blasted the “blatant racism of the state leadership” while commenting on Republican Caucus Chair Jeremy Faison’s objection.

“For those that don’t know, Allison Russell is an incredibly talented musician and songwriter. Her music spans genres with strong ties to the Folk/Americana scene,” Williams said. “You might have seen her on the Grammy stage performing with the great Joni Mitchell. Oh, she is also Black. She’s a brilliant Black woman.” Williams continued, “The blatant racism of our state leadership is embarrassing and cruel. Myself, as well as Paramore, will continue to encourage young people to show up to vote with equality in mind.”

After the two resolutions to honor the Volunteer State’s Grammy winners were introduced by Democratic Rep. Justin Jones in the legislature last week, Paramore’s resolution passed through the House unencumbered, but the one honoring Russell was blocked by House Republican Caucus Chair Jeremy Faison, who sent the resolution back to the committee.

Hayley wrote on Instagram that the band would stand in solidarity with the singer by not accepting “any acknowledgement or honor from the TN House” until Russell is also recognized.