Hayley Williams Rejects Home State Honor in Support of Allison Russell – The Hollywood Reporter

Following Paramore’s first two Grammy wins, Tennessee Democrat State Representative Justin Jones proposed a resolution to honor the Hayley Williams-fronted group alongside first-time Grammy winner Allison Russell.

However, while the state’s House of Representatives unanimously approved the Paramore resolution, House Republican Caucus Chair Jeremy Faison objected to the Russell resolution and kicked it back to committee.

In a post on X (formerly known as Twitter) earlier this week, Jones blamed the GOP members of the chamber for blocking the Russell resolution and praised the artist, who he wrote, “has worked tirelessly to foster an inclusive Nashville through her music and continues to make Black History here in Tennessee.”

In a repost, Russell thanked Jones and Tennessee State Rep. Gloria Johnson for presenting the resolution, calling it a “high honour.”

“That the TN GOP blocked it, I take as a compliment,” Russell added. “Their bigotry, sadly,  is on relentless display. We have a chance this year to make a real change in TN #loverising  #rainbowcoalition #register #vote #rise.”

Russell has frequently objected to anti-LGBTQ legislation passed by the state, including organizing the Love Rising all-star benefit last year in protest against state laws restricting drag shows.

Following the news, Paramore said in an Instagram story that the band “will not accept any acknowledgement or honor from the TN House until Allison Russell is given the same recognition.” Then, on Friday, Williams shared an additional statement via The Tennessean, voicing her support for Russell.

The singer wrote, “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. 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.” 

She 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.” 

Following Paramore’s first two Grammy wins, Tennessee Democrat State Representative Justin Jones proposed a resolution to honor the Hayley Williams-fronted group alongside first-time Grammy winner Allison Russell.

However, while the state’s House of Representatives unanimously approved the Paramore resolution, House Republican Caucus Chair Jeremy Faison objected to the Russell resolution and kicked it back to committee.

In a post on X (formerly known as Twitter) earlier this week, Jones blamed the GOP members of the chamber for blocking the Russell resolution and praised the artist, who he wrote, “has worked tirelessly to foster an inclusive Nashville through her music and continues to make Black History here in Tennessee.”

In a repost, Russell thanked Jones and Tennessee State Rep. Gloria Johnson for presenting the resolution, calling it a “high honour.”

“That the TN GOP blocked it, I take as a compliment,” Russell added. “Their bigotry, sadly,  is on relentless display. We have a chance this year to make a real change in TN #loverising  #rainbowcoalition #register #vote #rise.”

Russell has frequently objected to anti-LGBTQ legislation passed by the state, including organizing the Love Rising all-star benefit last year in protest against state laws restricting drag shows.

Following the news, Paramore said in an Instagram story that the band “will not accept any acknowledgement or honor from the TN House until Allison Russell is given the same recognition.” Then, on Friday, Williams shared an additional statement via The Tennessean, voicing her support for Russell.

The singer wrote, “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. 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.” 

She 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.”