#Lady Antebellum changes name in support of Black Lives Matter movement

Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott and Dave Haywood perform onstage during the 2019 CMT Artists of the Year ceremony in Nashville.
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The country-pop trio — which won Record and Song of the Year Grammys for the 2009 smash “Need You Now” — have renounced the name that fans have known since Charles Kelley, Dave Haywood and Hillary Scott joined forces in 2006.

The trio broke down on Twitter just why — in the wake of George Floyd’s death in police custody and the Black Lives Matter movement that has intensified in its wake — it is changing its name.

As of Wednesday, call them Lady A.

“As a band, we have strived for our music to be a refuge … inclusive of all,” the tweet reads. “We’ve watched and listened more than ever these last few weeks, and our hearts have been stirred with conviction, our eyes opened wide to the injustices, inequality and biases black women and men have always faced and continue to face everyday [sic]”

“When we set out together almost 14 years ago, we named our band after the Southern ‘Antebellum’ style where we took our first photos … But we are regretful and embarrassed to say that we did not take into account the associations that weigh down this word referring to the period of history before the Civil War, which includes slavery. We are deeply sorry for the hurt this has caused.”

Lady A, sounds like we need you more than ever.

Fan reactions arrived fast and passionate on Twitter, as one follower launched the comments section with, “Thank you for this!” and a heart emoji.

Subsequent tweets ran the gamut. One commenter declared, “@Redskins literally look how easy it is” in reference to the ongoing debate over the Washington football team’s much-criticized moniker. Another griped, “ ’Why haven’t you changed before now?’ ‘We have no excuse.’ This is how you grow people. Stop being defensive and grow.”

A more forgiving Twitter user weighed in with, “I am so incredibly glad this was finally acknowledged. So much needs to change still, and especially within the country music community, but if this isn’t a pretty great step forward. Hope you continue to stand up! Good for you!”