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Paramore has announced that they will “accept no recognition or honor from the TN House” for their Grammy wins after a lawmaker objected to similar honors for singer/songwriter Allison Russell.
The group is accusing the Republican-led Tennessee House of Representatives of “blatant racism” after a lawmaker suspended a resolution recognizing Black singer-songwriter Russell’s recent Grammy win.
The House Republican leader who objected to the resolution honoring Russell, Rep. Jeremy Faison (R-Tenn.), claimed in a statement, “The resolution was not blocked.”
“If a member has a question about an item on the consent calendar, it is common practice to raise it so that only that item can be voted on,” he said. “As a member of leadership, several members came to me with questions about the individual, which made it appropriate for us to pause on this particular resolution.”
Paramore won two Grammys at the 2024 awards ceremony earlier this month. They said they would wait to present the state award until Russell receives the same recognition.
Paramore frontwoman Hayley Williams publicly condemned the “blatant racism of our leadership,” calling it “embarrassing and cruel” in a statement.
“This week, Rep. Justin Jones introduced resolutions to honor my band Paramore and another Nashville artist, Allison Russell, in our recent Grammy wins (as far as I can tell, these resolutions have no legal effect on them) . . They're like a big high five or when the whole restaurant joins in and sings “Happy Birthday,” she wrote. “House Republicans only passed the measure recognizing Paramore’s victory. They blocked Allison’s.”
Russell, who was born in Montreal but made her career in Nashville, won the award for best American roots performance for her 2023 single “Eve Was Black.” In her statement, Williams described her as “an incredibly talented musician and songwriter”.
Williams continued: “The blatant racism of our government is embarrassing and cruel. Myself and Paramore will continue to encourage young people to vote with equality in mind. I want to thank Brother Jones for your unwavering commitment to your community. And thank you to Allison Russell, who uses her voice and artistry to hold people together and not tear them apart. CONGRATULATIONS on your incredible Grammy night. In the name of Paramore: Happy Black History Month.”
Russell previously commented on the House of Representatives' decision on the honor in an Instagram post on Wednesday. “Much love, gratitude and appreciation for you @brotherjones_ You and @votegloriaj presenting this resolution is a great honor,” she wrote. “I take it as a compliment that the TN GOP blocked it. Unfortunately, their bigotry is on display again and again. We have a chance to make real change in Tennessee this year!”