In wake of Texas floods, country stars denounce ‘vile, insulting, cruel’ magazine cover

As Houston and other parts of Texas grapple with the aftermath of devastating flooding, country singer, songwriter and actor Travis Tritt is among those sounding off on Twitter about a shocking magazine cover.

The veteran country artist posted an image of the cover of French publication Charlie Hebdo, featuring a disturbing cartoon and headline that, when translated to English reads: “God exists! He drowned all the neo Nazis of Texas.”

Appalled by both the sentiment and the image bearing Nazi flags and body parts sticking up out of the water, Tritt tweeted, “I will never understand why anyone would print such a vile, insulting, cruel and hateful cartoon. Sickening!”

The post quickly elicited more than 130 comments. Among those weighing in was Country Music Hall of Famer Charlie Daniels, who told Tritt, “I’m with you, buddy. That’s way past insulting. Good thing there’s an ocean between them and Texas.” Rare Country has been following the conversation.

As others began responding in agreement with his tweet, Tritt continued the dialogue, tweeting in response to fans, “This kind of hate should be denounced by every race, religion and political affiliation … I’m gonna keep praying … for the victims and horrible people who would print such despicable trash against folk they don’t know.”

It was just two-and-a-half years ago, in January 2015, when terrorists invaded the Charlie Hebdo office in Paris and tragically massacred much of the satirical magazine’s staff, including its cartoonists. The world mourned the loss of life and the shocking attack. Now, it seems the publication itself is once again in the spotlight. This time, with little sympathy from Americans, who have rallied around Texans in the wake of Hurricane Harvey.

Throughout his three decade-long career, Georgia native Tritt has been an outspoken advocate for causes he believes in, including the Second Amendment and military veterans. Seven of his albums are certified platinum or higher by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). He has charted more than 40 songs including 15 Top 10 singles and five No. 1s. He has won numerous awards and has been a member of the Grand Ole Opry since 1992.

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