Tate McRae Faces Backlash for Collaboration with Controversial Morgan Wallen

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — Canadian pop star Tate McRae is facing significant pushback from fans after teasing a collaboration with the controversial country artist Morgan Wallen. The anticipated duet is part of Wallen’s new album titled “I’m The Problem,” which was released on April 16, 2025.

The speculation about McRae’s involvement first surfaced when she posted a picture of an orange sports jersey displaying Wallen’s initials on her Instagram story. This revelation quickly ignited a storm of criticism online, with fans expressing disappointment and urging her to cancel the collaboration.

“I was rooting for you, we were all rooting for you! How dare you?” one Instagram user lamented, while another wrote, “Girl we love you, please cancel that collab with Wallen.” McRae’s fans, however, expressed excitement over the impending song, highlighting the division within her fan base as reactions poured in.

Wallen, a chart-topping artist, has acknowledged his history of infrequent collaborations with female artists. In a previous interview, he mentioned his desire to partner with more women in the industry, stating, “I’ve reached out to a couple of people, and they’ve turned me down. I just really want certain people, and I haven’t gotten the chance to do it yet.”

The backlash against McRae is largely attributed to Wallen’s troubled history, which includes multiple controversies. Most recently, he made headlines for abruptly walking off the stage during a March 29, 2025, appearance on Saturday Night Live, a moment that left viewers and cast members confused. This incident followed his previous arrest in 2024 for reckless endangerment after allegedly throwing a chair from a bar in Nashville.

In 2021, Wallen drew significant criticism after a video surfaced showing him using a racial slur, which resulted in him being suspended by his record label and facing bans from major award shows. Despite these challenges, his music continues to dominate charts, a juxtaposition that has made him a polarizing figure in the music industry.

Responding to the criticism of McRae’s upcoming collaboration, some commentators on social media expressed concern for her reputation, with comments noting, “this might not be a career suicide but this is reputation suicide.” These reflections underscore the complexities of navigating public perception in the age of social media, particularly when collaborating with artists who have faced significant scrutiny.

While McRae has yet to issue a statement regarding the backlash, Wallen remains focused on promoting his new album, which also features collaborations with artists like Post Malone. The album includes tracks such as “Lies Lies Lies” and “Love Somebody,” and it will debut at the Sand in My Boots Festival in Alabama, an event known for showcasing diverse musical talents across genres.