Maren Morris elaborates on decision to distance herself from country music

Maren Morris is further explaining -- and clarifying -- her relationship with the country music genre.

In a new interview with The New York Times' "Popcast" podcast, the 33-year-old singer said the takeaway from her interview last month with the Los Angeles Times appeared to be that she was leaving country music -- something she called "a little bit hyperbolic" and "ridiculous."

Still, Morris clarified that she "certainly can't participate in a lot of it," referring to country music, and said she is "just going and doing my own thing," telling fans to follow her where "everyone's welcome."

The Grammy winner, who recently put out a new two-track EP titled "The Bridge," told the podcast hosts she'll continue to write with songwriters in Nashville but revealed she has pulled her work from being submitted for awards consideration within the genre.

"I don't want to say goodbye, but I really cannot participate in the really toxic arms of this institution anymore," she said, adding that she doesn't know "if it's forever or it's just how I'm feeling in this current state."

https://abcnews.go.com/GMA/Culture/maren-morris-elaborates-decision-distance-country-music/story?id=103757042

I understand. I hate that "white male grievance" stuff myself. Johnny Cash would kick their asses if he were still here.