The country singer has been accused of promoting gun violence and racism in his new single and music video

Jason Aldean is standing by his controversial song after being accused of promoting gun violence and racism in its lyrics and music video.

The country singer reiterated his defense of the video and lyrics of his song “Try That in a Small Town” during a performance at Cincinnati’s Riverbend Music Center.

During the show, he pointed to “cancel culture” and said he wanted the U.S. to be “restored to what it once was, before all this bulls— started happening to us.”

“I gotta tell you guys, man, it’s been a long-ass week. It’s been a long week, and I’ve seen a lot of stuff. I’ve seen a lot of stuff suggesting I’m this, suggesting I’m that. Here’s the thing, here’s one thing I feel: I feel like everybody’s entitled to their opinion,” he said. “You can think something all you want to, doesn’t mean it’s true, right?”

“What I am is a proud American. I’m proud to be from here,” Aldean continued. “I love our country, I want to see it restored to what it once was before all this bulls— started happening to us. I love our country, I love my family, and I will do anything to protect that. I’ll tell you that right now.”

After several “U.S.A.” chants began from audience members, Aldean mentioned “cancel culture” and defined it as people trying to “make sure that they can cancel you, which means try to ruin your life, ruin everything” if they “don’t like what you say.”

“One thing I saw this week was a bunch of country music fans that could see through a lot of the bulls—,” he added.