The internet is one of the greatest marvels in human history. The ability to connect people instantly, put information at our fingertips, and essentially power all other facets of life on Earth… it’s incredible. And at the same time, it’s also a cesspool of misinformation and stupidity… a result of life in a fallen world, I guess.
Last year, a Hank Williams Jr. quote went viral on the internet claiming that he “backed out” from a Country Legends performance because he did not want to share a stage with Garth Brooks. In November of 2023, when the quote went mega-viral, fans were shocked to hear such an honest answer from Bocephus.
“I wouldn’t be caught dead on stage with Garth Brooks.”
While Hank Williams Jr. is an outlaw, that comment was even a little too outlaw for him, and it didn’t take long to realize it was a fake quote. But that didn’t stop people from sharing it like mad.
For starters, there was never a “Country Legends” event that Garth or Williams were supposed to play. But the more incriminating evidence proving this to be fake is that it was reported by The Dunning-Kruger Times, a satirical online newspaper. If you’re familiar with publications like The Babylon bee or The Onion, it’s the same premise. Real-sounding headlines with a lot of fake news. Their About Us page even discloses the following:
“Everything on this website is fiction. It is not a lie and it is not fake news because it is not real. If you believe that it is real, you should have your head examined.”
Even though the quote has been debunked as fake by numerous sources, since the lawsuit against Garth Brooks was filed accusing him of sexual assault and rape yesterday, this quote has found its way back to the limelight.
Twitter (now X) is insinuating that Hank Williams Jr. knew something was up with Garth long before these allegations came to light. But how could he be suspected of the “Friends In Low Places” singer if he never said those words? Regardless, the quote is going viral, with one post collecting 36K likes, and it continues to grow.
What has been alleged by Garth’s Brooks accuser is abhorrent, and if indeed true, Garth should be punished to the fullest extent that the legal system allows. However, Garth has firmly denied all of the accusations and even filed his own suit against her. Until a court can make a proper determination of the facts at hand, and based on the evidence, render judgement, let’s not continue to feed the speculation machine with false stories and quotes like this.
Hank Williams Jr. was asked why he bowed out of last years Country legends show..??
" I wouldn't be caught dead on stage with Garth Brooks " pic.twitter.com/x5LIMyLh6y
— @Chicago1Ray 🇺🇸 (@Chicago1Ray) October 4, 2024
