Jake Owen Gets Blasted On Twitter After Weighing In On Chase Rice Concert Controversy
Jake Owen weighed in on the Chase Rice concert controversy, and now many people on Twitter are saying that Jake is on the wrong side of the debate.
To recap, Chase played a crowded concert over the weekend, with no social distancing or masks on concert goers. Kelsea Ballerini called Chase out on Twitter, saying, “Imagine being selfish enough to put thousands of people’s health at risk, not to mention the potential ripple effect, and play a normal country concert right now. @ChaseRiceMusic, We all want (and need) to tour. We just care about our fans and their families enough to wait.”
Jake is getting backlash after tweeting support for Chase–and shade at Kelsea–yesterday (6/29), saying, “It’s amazing how many country artists, songwriters and media outlets are quick to throw shade at our own people.”
In a world full of hate, be a light. I swear I’ve heard that on OUR country radio stations. It’s amazing how many country artists, songwriters and media outlets are quick to throw shade at our own people. Sad really.
— Jake Owen (@jakeowen) June 30, 2020
The tweet was met with mixed reactions. Some applauded Jake for voicing his opinion and support of Chase’s show.
Grown ups. Having fun. At a concert. Go or don't go, far as I know everyone still has free will and the right to assemble. Live and let live, glad @jakeowen has the...guts to point this out. New fan.
— glassspy (@glassspy) June 30, 2020
Last time I checked, it was a free country and people could choose what concerts they wanted to attend. @jakeowen I've always loved your music but this is a particularly timely post. We can each have our own opinions and choose to attend the events we like w/o trashing others.
— Todd Parnell (@tparnell68) June 30, 2020
Others felt that Jake’s words implied that he didn’t care about social responsibility during a pandemic…
It’s a pandemic. It’s not throwing shade. It’s trying to save lives instead of trying to make a few dollars.
— Lorelei Marie (@loreleimariexo) June 30, 2020
I ubderstand what you’re saying but you guys also have the responsibility of being role models. You should be encouraging social distancing, wearing masks etc. Having a concert with 1000s of ppl disrespects YOUR fans who have lost loved ones to covid.
— scalloped potato girl (@tweets_by_laur) June 30, 2020
It’s actually not sad because no shade was thrown. Most artists have CANCELLED or POSTPONED their shows until 2021 for their FANS safety. Not 1 person had on a mask. I guarantee you people in that crowd had COVID and have now passed it to others. The show shouldn’t have happened.
— Rachel (@rberry313) June 30, 2020
Didn’t realize someone speaking up about having the common sense to know now isn’t the time to have 1000 unmasked people all together was considered “throwing shade”
— Kristen (@sorryontherocks) June 30, 2020
The response to Chase Rice having a large public gathering in the middle of a pandemic is NOT hate. It’s telling him that he was purposefully putting people’s lives at risk for MONEY!
— RescueDogMama (@RescueDogMama1) June 30, 2020
Chase Rice has since issued a statement, assuring fans that their safety is his priority–and sharing plans to make future concerts drive-in style.
Was it a smart thought for Jake to post on social media? As with most issues nowadays, it depends on who you ask. Any opinion puts you at risk for being roasted on the internet. It is worth noting, though, that Jake was scheduled to perform at the Miller Theater in March, just as the COVID-19 outbreak was beginning–and made the decision to postpone that show for the safety of his fans.
