The Chicks haven’t any regrets about being one in every of the primary targets of cancel culture — 20 years after making a snarky remark about former President George W. Bush.
Formerly often called the Dixie Chicks, the country trio, composed of lead singer Natalie Maines, 48, and sisters Martie Maguire, 53, and Emily Strayer, 50, were asked if the politically-charged statement continues to be a “defining episode” of the group’s profession.
“It’s defining in the way in which it set us free,” Maines told the Los Angeles Times. “It got us out of this box of country music, which we never desired to be in and never felt like that’s who we were.”
“We didn’t need to do any of that bulls–t anymore. It wasn’t like, ‘Oh, country music, please take us back.’ It was middle fingers: ‘Bye!’” she added.
On March 10, 2003, while on stage in London, Maines told the audience the group was “ashamed” that Bush was from their home state of Texas.
“Just so you realize, we’re on the nice side with y’all,” Maines said just days before the invasion of Iraq. “We are not looking for this war, this violence, and we’re ashamed that the president of the US is from Texas.”
The Guardian published the comment, and The Chicks were quickly shunned by American fans, country radio, and fellow country artists.
But music heavyweights similar to Bruce Springsteen and Madonna supported their right to talk out, although the Material Girl opted to delay her own graphic war-themed music video for “American Life” after the backlash.
The Chicks’ music and concert sales also plummeted, and the Lipton iced tea brand pulled the plug on its promotional contract with the group.
Maines issued an apology a couple of days later, saying her remark was “disrespectful” — but took it back in 2006, saying she felt Bush deserved no respect.
Bush responded to The Chicks’ comment in April 2003, arguing that they’re “free to talk their mind,” but “shouldn’t have their feelings hurt simply because some people don’t need to buy their records after they speak out.”
“I don’t really care what the Dixie Chicks said,” he told broadcaster Tom Brokaw.
“I would like to do what I believe is true for the American people, and if some singers or Hollywood stars feel like speaking out, that’s high-quality. That’s the wonderful thing about America.”
In May 2003, The Chicks famously graced the cover of Entertainment Weekly naked — with different names the American public had apparently called them, including “traitors,” “proud Americans,” “opinionated,” and “Dixie Sluts” — printed in daring black lettering on their bodies.
The “Not Ready To Make Nice” singers released a documentary in 2006 concerning the controversy titled “Shut Up and Sing.”
Their 2020 album “Gaslighter” was the primary time in years The Chicks were seemingly welcomed and accepted by the American public again.
That very same 12 months, country singer turned pop sensation Taylor Swift, now 33, admitted she was “terrified” to get political after seeing how The Chicks’ comment “ended such a strong reign.”
