Children’s book author Maren Morris defends taking son to drag show as she claps back at critics on live TV

Nashville, Tennessee – Maren Morris, the 34-year-old singer, made headlines recently for taking her four-year-old son Hayes to a drag show. The controversy sparked a debate on social media about bringing children to such events.

During an appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show, Morris defended her decision, explaining that the show was all-ages and family-friendly. She clarified that the show was part of a benefit event held at Bridgestone last year amid discussions of a drag ban in Tennessee.

Facing backlash on Instagram for taking her son to the show, Morris responded by addressing the criticism directly. She argued that drag is a centuries-long performance art and explained that the particular show they attended was a charity event meant to protest the drag ban in Tennessee, which was eventually overturned.

Morris, who welcomed Hayes with her then-husband Ryan Hurd before their split in 2023, discussed the challenges and silver linings of motherhood during the COVID-19 lockdown. She revealed that being at home with her son was a gift, despite the cancellation of her tour due to the pandemic.

The singer also talked about her new album and the inspiration behind her music, describing it as a collection of songs that emerged from difficult times. She expressed hope for the release of her next album later this year.

In addition to discussing her music, Morris shared about her personal journey post-divorce, including recording music while sick and her aspirations to create a companion album for a children’s book she co-wrote with a friend. The conversation on the show also led to discussions about the potential for a children’s television show based on their book.

Overall, Morris’s appearance on The Kelly Clarkson Show shed light on her experiences as a mother, artist, and author, emphasizing the importance of family, creativity, and resilience in the face of challenges.