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Trace Adkins' Confederate Flag Earpiece Courts Controversy

Trace Adkins Confederate flagJemal Countess, Getty Images

Trace Adkins earned plenty of attention at his recent appearance in New York City for the NBC-TV special, "Christmas in Rockefeller Center," but not just for his performance of "The Christmas Song." The Louisiana native set social-media sites ablaze after a shot went viral of his in-ear monitor, which boasted a picture of the controversial Confederate flag. In spite of the criticism, Trace is quick to defend his choice.

"As a proud American I object to oppression of any kind," the singer states on his website. "To me, the battle flag represents remembrance of my Southern lineage -- I am a descendant of Confederate soldiers who followed that flag into battle. I advocate for the preservation of America's battlefields and honest conversation about our country's history. To those who view the flag as a symbol of racism, that was not my message and I did not intend offense."

Trace isn't the only artist who has proudly displayed the symbol. Lynyrd Skynyrd used the Confederate Flag on stage for 40 years, before removing it due to the association with certain racist groups. But after listening to the opinions of their fans, they returned it to their stage, saying, "We still utilize the Confederate (Rebel) flag on stage every night in our shows, we are and always will be a Southern American Rock band, first and foremost."

Trace was halfway around the world, performing as part of a USO tour in Japan, when he issued the statement. He will return to the states in time to serve as co-host for the American Country Awards, along with Kristin Chenoweth, on Monday, Dec. 10.

The ACAs will air live from Las Vegas at 8:00 PM ET on FOX.

Watch Report on Trace's 'Christmas at Rockefeller Center' Performance



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goochlandscottie

If Mr. Adkins had worn an American Flag, somebody would have complained about that too. This is America, Land of the Free! Freedom of speech, religion, expression...What difference does it make? There are bigger tragedies in life. Until some of the people complaining have actually done as much for our troops and charities as he has, they don't really have a reason to gripe. He has as much of a right to wear that earpiece as Flava Flav has wearing a 'Kill Whitey' tee shirt. Maybe they should tour together and screw everybody up. To all who complain, I want you to donate an hour of your time tomorrow to your local children's hospital. GOD Bless America.

November 30 2012 at 11:26 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
francoeger

Whats the matter with some people ???? I know of no other human being who is more patriotic than Trace . Damn they sell T-Shirts with the Confederate Flag on them. Grow up people and get a life.

November 30 2012 at 3:28 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
devinmcmusters

Freakin' commy liberals whine and complain about anything they don't agree with. The white man is suppressed in this era of Obamanation. BO must go! Barry is the new Hitler!

November 30 2012 at 12:35 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
2 replies to devinmcmusters's comment
cthomas

Conservatives whne and complain about stuff they don't agree with too. What's the difference?

November 30 2012 at 2:08 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
cthomas

I guess as a straight whie male I don't feel supressed myself but you know how us libs are.

November 30 2012 at 2:10 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to cthomas's comment
devinmcmusters

What's a "whie male"?

November 30 2012 at 2:24 PM Report abuse rate up rate down

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