.jpg)
Paramore frontwoman Hayley Williams rejected a Tennessee resolution honoring the band's success after House Republicans refused to pass a similar honor for fellow Tennessee musician Allison Russell. In a statement, Williams called out lawmakers for their “blatant racism," among other criticisms.
After Paramore won two Grammys this year for Best Rock Album and Best Alternative Music Performance — marking the first time a woman-led band has ever won Best Rock Album — Tennessee Rep. Justin Jones (D) put forth two resolutions in the state to honor the Tennessee-native band, along with Grammy-winning artist Allison Russell. While House Republicans passed Paramore's honor without question, they blocked Russell's.
The band posted on its official Instagram page on Friday that they will “not accept any acknowledgment or honor from the TN House until Allison Russell is given the same recognition.”
“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 scenes," Williams wrote in a statement to The Tennessean. “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.”
Russell was nominated for four awards at the 2024 Grammys and took home a trophy for Best American Roots Performance for her 2023 single “Eve Was Black.” While she was born in Montreal, Russell has made her music career in Nashville and has advocated for LGBTQ+ rights within the state.
Williams described the resolutions as having “no legal weight to them" and equated them to a “big high five," but still congratulated Russell on “using your voice and artistry to band people together, not tear them apart.”
“On behalf of Paramore, Happy Black History Month," Williams finished the statement.
The House Republican Caucus Chair Rep. Jeremy Faison, who rejected the resolution, claimed in a statement to Entertainment Weekly that the resolution “wasn't blocked" and that it is “customary to bump it” when a member has a question about the matter.
“I had several members come to me with questions about the individual, which made it appropriate for us to press pause on that particular resolution,” Faison continued.
In response to Republicans' objection, Russell posted on Instagram thanking Rep. Jones for putting forth the resolution, adding that she takes the GOP rejection “as a compliment.”
“Their bigotry, sadly, is on relentless display. We have a chance this year to make a real change in TN,” Russell continued.
Instagram content
This content can also be viewed on the site it originates from.
Much like Hayley Williams, Allison Russell has been fiercely outspoken against anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and has lobbied for stricter gun safety laws in the state.
"Allison Russell is a Tennesseean, and she's someone who's been a bold voice for a more inclusive, just state," Jones said. “There were two resolutions on the consent calendar that night, one for Paramore and one for Allison Russell. Both have been vocal voices for justice, but only the Black queer woman was bumped off.”
