Everything Zach Bryan Said About 'Bad News' Backlash

Bryan received backlash from his largely conservative base who deemed his words to be controversial. After days of negative talk, the "Pink Skies" artist addressed the critics.

What Did Zach Bryan Say?

Bryan took to his Instagram Story on Tuesday, October 7, with a lengthy message to his followers.

"This shows you how divisive a narrative can be when shoved down our throats through social media. This song is about how much I love this country and everyone in it more than anything," he wrote. "When you hear the rest of the song, you will understand the full context that hits on both sides of the aisle. Everyone using this now as a weapon is only proving how devastatingly divided we all are. We need to find our way back."

He continued, "I served this country. I love this country and the song itself is about all of us coming out of this divided space."

"I wasn’t speaking as a politician or some greater-than-thou a--hole, just a 29-year-old man who is just as confused as everyone else. To see how much s--t it stirred up makes me not only embarrassed but kind of scared," he added. "Left wing or right wing we’re all one bird and American. To be clear I’m on neither of these radical sides."

Bryan addressed "disappointed" fans, writing, "Just know I’m trying my best too, and we all say things that are misconstrued sometimes."

Bryan -- who was honorably discharged from the Navy in 2021 in order to pursue his music career -- explained that his life has been "scrutinized" over the last few months.

"I feel like I’ve tried my hardest in so many ways and it’s so hard to see where my bearings even are anymore. Been falling off a cliff while trying to grow wings at the same time," he wrote in a follow-up message. "I am SO proud to have served in a country where we can all speak freely and converse amongst each other without getting doxxed or accosted on the internet or worse; the violence and heartbreak we’ve faced in the last few months!"