NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) — The Country Music Association is apologizing after trying to impose media restrictions on questions about the mass shooting in Las Vegas, gun rights or political affiliations at their awards show next Wednesday.

A statement from the CMA on Friday says the restrictions on topics in their media guidelines have been lifted following a backlash, including from the co-host for the awards show Brad Paisley.

Paisley tweeted Friday morning that the restrictions were “ridiculous and unfair.”

The association initially said in its guidelines that the restrictions were out of respect for the artists and that media who strayed from the guidelines could have their credentials “potentially revoked via security escort.”

Copyright 2024 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join our Newsletter for the latest news right to your inbox