There’s apparently a big to-do over some remarks that Voice judge Adam Levine made during a live airing of the show, when he assumed he was off air. Levine had his microphone on, unbeknownst to him, and was frustrated about an elimination of two of the contests he was coaching. (Voice judges have a team of contestants under them.) He said “I hate this country,” and it’s unclear if he was referring to our nation’s taste in music, maybe country music in general, or if he felt the voting process was flawed and was somehow confusing a reality show with national policy. Whatever happened, Levine’s non-apology makes it sound like he’s pissed that his comments got aired more than he regrets saying them.
America won’t tolerate Adam Levine’s “unpatriotic” exasperation. The Maroon 5 frontman drew scores of complaints for quipping “I hate this country” on an episode of The Voice, requiring a formal statement to explain his remark.
On Tuesday night’s episode of the US series, viewers eliminated two of the three singers Levine coaches on the show. Part-way through the segment (at 1:14 in this video), Levine muttered his allegedly anti-American remark; reports suggest that the star didn’t know that his microphone was recording.
Most viewers, one would think, would understand Levine’s comment: the American public had just rebuffed his taste, rejecting two thirds of his contestants. Of course he hates them. But across the US, hundreds of viewers took Levine’s whingeing as a threat to liberty, democracy and the principles of the founding fathers.
“Hey @adamlevine this country you apparently hate so much made you rich. You’re free to leave. Try Syria. I hear it’s nice this time of year,” wrote one patriot. “Can we send Seal Team 6 after him?” enquired another. Others suggested Levine “move to a communist country”.
Initially, Levine tried to laugh off the incident. After the episode aired, he tweeted dictiontary definitions for “joke”, “humourless” , “lighthearted” and “misunderstand”. But America is very serious about its anti-Americans, and whether due to public or network pressure, by Wednesday afternoon his publicist was distributing a penitent press release.
“I obviously love my country very much,” Levine avowed. “My comments last night were made purely out of frustration. Being a part of The Voice, I am passionately invested in my team and want to see my artists succeed. Last night’s elimination of Judith and Sarah was confusing and downright emotional for me and my comments were made based on my personal dissatisfaction with the results. I am very connected to my artists and know they have long careers ahead, regardless of their outcome on the show.”
Levine has appeared on The Voice since its debut in 2011, and coached season one winner, Javier Colon. Maroon 5’s fourth album, Overexposed, debuted at No 2 last June.
Douchebag say what? I don’t know, that was just is a stupid thing to say when you’re a judge on a reality show. In his non-apology he didn’t use the word “sorry,” “apologize,” “regret,” or “poor choice of words,” all of which would have been acceptable. Instead he just focused on how frustrated he was because it’s all about Adam all the time. At least he said he loved his country “obviously,” even though he blames it for not embracing his artists. That said, I don’t like the knee jerk “if you don’t like it, get out” response. That’s such a cliche. He didn’t mean it that way, but he could have done a better job at apologizing.
Here’s the video. Adam makes the remarks at 1:14. They drag out these eliminations so much on reality competition shows.
Adam Levine is shown “launching his new fragrance” – really! – at Macy’s in February. Credit: WENN.com
He’s becoming more awful by the minute.
This is one step below “I sorry you got offended”!
Of course Adam is all about himself! Like being “emotional” gives him a free pass to do whatever he wants.. Personally, I find it amusing that Adam is getting the Dixie Chicks treatment — he better make a real apology fast because we seen how the most “patriotic” Americans can hold a grudge!
I actually stood up and applauded The Dixie Chicks when they made that remark about Bush. I said better Texas then NY. DC were courageous and not afraid to use a public platform to show their disgust for Bush. I’m not ready was one of my all time favorite country songs and apparently the music business had no grudge against them because they won tons of Grammys for that Album.
IMO I don’t think an apology is warranted.
I too also defended and applauded the Chicks as well. This is a free country, we are allowed to say what’s on our minds. Agree to disagree. Whenever I hear something I disagree with I don’t automatically cause a ruckus. An eyeroll and a snarky comment, maybe.
And I’m sure you’d be just as tolerant if some entertainer stood on a public stage in a foreign country and said, “Just so you know, we’re embarrassed that Obama is our president.”
I would certainly support their right to say it. That’s what this country is about. A lot of conservatives are always bleating about free sppech, until someone makes a remark that they don’t like, then they throw back their heads and howl in outrage. People are free to say what they want; I’m free to disagree. It’s called a dialogue, and is absolutely crucial to democracy.
JC
I would. You can disagree with Obama, and flat out hate his politics. But I’d never ever call you unamerican. Ever!
I don’t understand why he had to apologize. He wasn’t dancing on top of an American flag and setting a picture of George Washington on fire, it was clearly a frustrated comment.
Mountains out of molehills.
I don’t know why people are offended. He is american, isn’t he? It’s not a nice thing to say, but who cares?
Even if he did, if he didnt harm anyone in the process, why should anyone besides those who cant think or have an open mind, be offended by it…
Co-sign.
To me, it just came off the same way people tell people they actually like “I hate you.” and gives them a playful push or something.
But with the Boston Marathon Bombing happening not to long ago, people are extra sensitive about any anti-America talk.
I kinda think the same thing and I can’t stand him. Although he could of said, “I hate these voters”, or apologized like he meant it and not like he was frustrated the HE is being picked on. Probably would be forgotten quicker.
I also took it as walking, hitting something, then cursing it. Like, “damn couch!” Don’t get me wrong, I think Adam’s a douchbag, but I wish people would calm down on the idea that our blessed country is the best. America is great, and I’m proud to be an American, but there are also equally great countries out there as well. I’m looking at you Sweden, and the UK. lol
THIS + 100
I’d forget all about his comment if he would apologize for his massive case of douche face. His “male model” demeanor negates the “rock star” image he is trying to pull off. I like my rockers with brains, edge, and swagger. Not a proper catwalk pose.
Yeah!
Totally agree!! Anyone in their right mind would recognize that he meant the musical likes of people in America that voted off 2/3 of his team. People need to understand the HUGE difference between someone making a very vague emotional statement and someone ACTUALLY hating America. This whole thing is rather ridiculous…especially with all of the other crap going on… jeez people, put your efforts into something that actually matters, not this d-bag…
I agree, its obvious he said that because America is who is voting, not as in he litterally hates America as a country. I watch the voice and as soon as he said that I was like “watch, thats going to be all over the news tomorrow”. People are so sensitive and predictable, you just know they’re going to make a big deal out of nothing. I support the statement he released, he explained what he meant and I see no reason he should have to apologize.
I’m confused, he said it right after his person was saved so why did he say it?
exactly. in all honesty I let out an exasperated ‘F you America’ when I heard the results too since I can’t conceive of the reality that the Swon brothers have made it further than Judith Hill. But it’s said in the same way a child says ‘I hate you mom!’ when they don’t get the toy they want. Nothing more to it.
exactly! If we’re going to rag on this doucheface, (he has such a punchable face) then lets take our pick from the hundreds of other arrogant, condescending, idiotic things he comes out with!
Did anyone ever see his episode of “Cribs”?!? Never heard such patronizing, egotistic b*llshit!
He can have an opinion, not everyone has to love america.
I have zero love for the guy but that comment sounds pretty innocuous and clearly spoken out of frustration with the voting.
I’m not an American so I don’t want to get into peoples patriotism or whatever, but is what he said really a big deal?
It sounds like he obviously said it in a frustrated way. People must say it all the time just like “Ugh…it’s raining again…I hate this country” .
it just seems very strange to me that there is all this massive coverage about it.
It’s a story that is basically a mountain out of a molehill.
Americans are very patriotic. I think it would be hard to understand if you are not American. It can be to our own detriment at times. I think, thoug, that for the average middle class folk it’s insulting for a wealthy citizen to make remarks like that when he in part has been made so wealthy by Americans and their hard earn money. Not necessarily fair but I think that sums it up. .)
Thanks! Yeah I think your right. I think we Europeans have a much easier time bashing our countries without feeling bad. haha.
I am American and I think this is hard to understand. I’m not sure I can agree that Americans are very patriotic so much as some Americans get way too wrapped up in the outer trappings of patriotism. Casually uttering a common expression of frustration has nothing to do with patriotism.
@Sarah, I think you’re exactly right. And in fact seeing the word “patriot” in certain contexts raises a big red flag for me because it tends to smack of intolerance.
Well Lizzie; I am an American; a New Yorker at that. I can’t tell you how many times I have said I hate this freaking city or this freaking country out of fustration. Do I mean it; of course not. There are also many times where I have said I love this freaking country and city. Adam didn’t say I literally hate this country did he? No he was just upset that his girls got sent home. Now should he have been more careful in his word choice or made sure his mic was off; yes. I even said I think public voting on these types of shows are BS and tampered with. I also said most people voting probably couldn’t spot talent if it bit them on the butt. If I was in Adam’s shoes and had the platform to voice my opinion out loud I’m sure people would have let it be known that I offendd them.
People need to stop with this because we are Americans and we are so patriotic and we love this country so no one foreign or domestic better not dare say one word against it. Yet these are the same people that practice discrimination and don’t care about the health care crisis or the impoverished living in America.
Completely. Who hasn’t said something similar? He didn’t apologize because there is nothing to apologize for. This is a completely normal expression of frustration that is uttered in some form by probably tens of thousands of Americans every single day. This has nothing whatsoever to do with patriotism.
right on V4! You can love something but that doesn’t mean it doesn’t have faults.
I don’t know, to me there’s a big difference between saying something like that out of frustration with the public’s taste, and truly saying you hate a country- what it stands for, the people’s rights, the government, policies, etc. Surely a stupid way to express frustration when you know you are wearing a mic, but there seems to (shockingly) be some overreaction to it.
The sentiment I think he is expressing has been said a million times before- often in regards to something stupid, like the Kardashians popularity, or a general public that keeps tuning in to horrible reality shows. He just picked the worst way to say it.
why do people get so offended so easily these days :/
^This! times infinity, as my grandson would say.
I don’t think people get more offened nowadays than in the past. Just that now we have social media sites like Twitter for people to say whatever they feel.
So an incident like this in the past, would of been a heated conversation amongst people but now it expands to rants on twitter or a comment on a blog.
Oh, please. Who doesn’t say stuff like that? “I hate this country, government, life, job, California, etc…” Hell, I say the latter everytime Lilo doesn’t go to jail. Lighten up, people.
I said “I hate men” after some asshole groped me last week.I guess I should apologize to all the men out there.
Slightly different comparison, but whatever.
He is most definitely a doucheknocker, but I agree with the “mountain out of a molehill” contingent.
ha, I agree and I’m using doucheknocker sometime today.
“Doucheknocker”-I love it!
I agree, people need to stop being so damn sensitive.
I can’t stand this guy but…he was disappointed two really talented singers got voted off. so i can understand his frustration, since he’s trying to help aspiring singers and they got voted off because of a popularity contest.
He is a douche but america needs to get over itself.
He definitely sucks but not because of this. So many people say “I hate this country” when the voting on a reality show goes wrong. It’s meant in jest. Not as actual hate. People need to chill.
Can’t stand him…anything he does that pushes him out of the spotlight is a plus in my eyes
Why is this an issue? And no not douchebag, he was reacting to his talented contestants being passed over for two of the lesser talented country people. I’d have said the same thing.
In the context of the show its obvious what he was commenting on. Strange that some people would be upset by it.
Oh come on it was a silly remark made in the heat of the moment. This is once again much ado about nothing. There is a meat business, Smithville I think, that is selling out to the Chinese for $5 billion dollars. Now that is unpatriotic but will just be seen as a good business deal for them. People need to lay off the little stuff like what Adam said and start paying attention to the big stuff that business is doing. It’s called critical thinking. I know I will pay more attention to this business deal than what one American singer said. And I won’t be buying any meat owned by a Chinese company be it raised here or not.
I don’t understand the uproar at all. Where I’m from that’s a really common phrase. No one saying it actually hates the country (well, not the extent that they’re actually going to pack up and move anyway), their just mildly pissed off by some of their fellow countrymen (for example I said it recently when I found out the top rated TV show here is re-runs of Two and a Half Men).
Lol. A related sentiment phrase would be “I fear for the future of this country,” which I tend to say often in regards to things like your Two and A Half Men statistic.
He doesnt have to like any country whatsoever. I am not afraid to say I will never live in teh US ever again, I cannot stand it and the quality of life is deteriorating by the year or even month. Who cares? Im entitled to think so. Others are also entitled to their opinion, including to find my view offensive, but ok then.
its obvious from the context what he means.
this whole patriotism thing only leads to hate people you have never met because they are not from your own glorious country.
i hate it so much when 30 year old americans tell people from england “We saved your butts in WW2”, no you didnt, you werent even born then. dont take pride in accomplishments you had no part in.
I’m willing to bet that the people who are bitching about this are the same people who bitch about how Obama is supposedly ruining the country, and protested Obamacare by threatening to move to Australia or Canada to escape the evils of socialized medicine. But I’m sure they have some bullshit argument as to why their brand of anti-Americanism is acceptable.
Sigh.
Not an Obama fan and STILL think it’s ridiculous that people are upset about what Adamn Levine said.
Oh, I’m not saying all people who dislike Obama are like that! I just mean that there is a subgroup of conservatives in this country who actually seem to be living embodiments of the “Thanks, Obama” meme.
Sorry if you were offended, I honestly didn’t mean to make a generalization (and that’s is a sincere apology, not an Adam Levine apology, lol).
So if I’m not down with Obama’s program I’m anti-American somehow? Right. And I suppose you’re comfortable with the IRS, an agency that can destroy your life, being in charge of Obamacare? Whatever.
I’m not about to question anyone’s patriotism. I was being facetious when I used the term “anti-Americanism,” but I guess I should have put quote marks around it.
I personally have major issues with Obamacare as well. I just found it amusing that people were threatening to go to Australia and Canada to escape socialized medicine when, you know, those countries already have it.
Jesus, Americans, it’s “healthcare”. But way to call it something devisive. That’s sure to help all the internal bickering.
I suspect those who thought Miranda was insulting Republicans in general aren’t aware of the anti-American tweets she was referring to. They were clearly a sub-set of wackos. Honestly, no-one thought they were representative of Republicans in general (every barrel has a few nut-jobs in it).
As an example, my personal favourite was: “I’m moving to Australia, because their president is Christian and actually supports what he says.”
Which was hilarious because Australia has a female, atheist, not-president (prime minister), who – at the time – was getting a lot of flack for back-flipping on a campaign promise. (Not to mention the fact our healthcare system is far more socialised than Obamacare dreams of being.)
I’m still amazed at how that person managed to cram so many factual errors into a single sentence. It was a work of art (though purely unintentional).
Thank you for clarifying that! I appreciate it.
@Miranda, same here. Thanks for explaining.
So am I supposed to apologize for when I say “I don’t want to live on this planet anymore?” when I get frustrated?
I don’t like Adam Levine at all, but this whole this is just stupid. We all knew what he meant.
Isn’t this the guy who said “Honey Boo Boo is the worst thing ever?” So basically, he’s prone to exaggeration? Seems like this is in keeping with his style of talking and discussing things. I’m shocked anybody is shocked.
A lot of conservatives are gonna go for this because Adam Levine, if you follow him on twitter, has made no secret of hating Fox News and stuff. They’ve had it in for him for a while, i suppose.
I feel you adam. Those ladies were awesome. All you self righteous flag wavers get over urselves. Oh and if this is the way these contests turn out i’m done with the voice.
I am english we bash our country all the time. Its almost a national sport lol. I will never understand this part of the american psyche.
I think, especially in my grandparents’ case, it comes from fear & paranoia.
I kind of get where he’s coming from. I think we probably have said something similar in a moment of frustration.
I won’t pretend to understand the cultural mindset there but we Canadians are usually a pretty patriotic bunch but you’d be hard pressed to find someone that didn’t mutter that phrase in the dead of Winter when we’re shoveling snow in the freezing cold. It doesn’t mean we don’t love our country, it’s just a frustrated remark. It’s not a nice thing to say but there’s no ill will intended.
Don’t like him, think he is a douchebag… Not one to defend him… BUT… The way he said it reminds me of the way we say “I hate you” to a parent or a friend when you don’t get your way. It’s not with malice, or unpatriotic. Just like a kid having a temper tantrum.
He’s a douche, but seriously? C’mon…
Much to do about nothing. He was passionate over his two singers and that one was thought to be the winner. She is brilliant. He was upset and muttered something aimed really at the voters he was so disappointed in. We all mutter stupid comments at times. He addressed it. Move on. There are bigger issues in the world than this.
This!
Yes, exactly!
He has a really short tongue 😒
First, I don’t get the hate for Adam Levine. Yes, he says stupid things (most of us do), he can be extremely cocky ( I have been guilty of that, on more than one occasion) and he’s the front man of a popular pop band that’s style might not be the most original or creative but it is fun music. Second, he made those statements out of sheer frustration, I was frustrated that Amber got saved and Judith did not. Amber sucked in her rendition of Skyfall by Adele and Sarah should have been voted off a few Mondays ago. Third, those that tweeted their comments to Adam telling him to move need to get a life. There are more important problems in this country than to worry about what some quirky, dorky and even cocky pop star says. Oh and by the way, I would still hit it. At least he doesn’t sit there in interviews and say I want to be married and have babies like Bradley Cooper does and then dates a model out of their teens that lives far, far away that can’t call him out on his bull…nor does he tell people he’s been clean and sober like Coop does when we all know he isn’t. My point is that he’s not a hypocrite, he’s doesn’t pretend to be someone he is not and that is hot in my book….haha.
People get outraged about the stupidest things. The comment was made about the voting. It wasn’t some anti Patriotic statement. Just a silly comment made about a silly reality show
This is ridiculous. Adam Levine simply disagreed with how America voted…no big deal. Adam actually had the two best singers on his team and they were voted off the island. So needless to say,Adam was not happy.There really was no reason to apologize.
Well, What he said was out of pure frustration because two of the best contestants and most talented in this season got eliminated at the same time.
Judith is a pro and if she had stayed, she would win (Based purely on talent, she is the one who deserves, in my humble opinion). But then again, she is a professional, she was going to tour with Michael Jackson. Sarah is also very talented, but to a lesser degree. Adam’s weakest contestant is Amber and people just like her, maybe it’s because of her personal story.
People vote for those they like, not necessarily those who are more talented/ sing better. They forget is a singing competition.
If I were in his shoes, I would be frustrated too. And I will no longer watch “The Voice” because clearly, it’s not about the voice anymore.
People are oversensitive. I have a feeling that most of the people upset about this are conservatives. Funny how they’re allowed to criticize America when the citizens don’t follow their backward agenda, but if you’re critical of America in any other context, they get mad. Suddenly you’re Anti-American and don’t deserve to live here. What a bunch of intolerant sheep.
Yes, I live in America, was born here, and have family here. There are things that I like about this country, but there are also things that I hate about this country- things that have been wrong with this country for ages and that you can still see traces of, and some newer problems. And people have the right to voice these opinions, even if they want to say “I hate this country”. (I know Adam’s comment wasn’t really about polititics or America, but I think he has nothing to apologize for).
Nope I’m not offended I thought he was Canadian?
it was a joke. i don’t see why he needed to apologize at all, nevermind “apologize better.”
I don’t see why this is an issue. He obviously said it out of frustration, not malice. I completely understand where he was coming from and this has nothing to do with being patriotic or not. Why people are taking this so literally is beyond me.
Much more convenient to “hate this country” because “I hate this show” just might mess with his MONEY
Look at that nasty, tiny tongue.
Non Issue.
Although as a viewer of the Voice I also hate that country lol It’s almost criminal who gets voted off sometimes but whatever, it’s a contest and that’s how it rolls sometimes.
He doesn’t need to apologize as there is nothing to apologize for. I’m tired of the uber patriotism that some people espouse. He made a remark out of irritation and frustration with the voting results.
This is seriously a non-issue.
+1000. Well said.
Thank you. This is one of the stupidest stories to get coverage. It’s so fcuking obvious what he meant. Moreover, do people really think Adam Levine is intelligent enough to have serious political opinions?
Much ado about nothing. I say this shit every day and as a black woman I have a total right and reason!
Those ladies, were two of the best voices on the show if not the best, THey didn’t deserve to go home. I never vote for any of these talentless fools, but I was voting on everything I could for these ladies. They were great. America-as usual-gets it wrong. Not surprised there.
I sometimes say: I love this country! Too bad it’s populated.
I don’t think it was the statement as much as the person who said it. As of late, he has been saying some hypocritical and idiotic things and it can leave a bad taste in some people mouth’s. This is one instance an outright apology would have been humble for him. Remember Adam, as soon as ratings and votes decline you can be on the chopping block.
At the point which we are no longer allowed to be critical of the country, we’re having serious problems.
Damn, he looks like such a douche, but I would hit it so HARD.
My daughter and I watched this episode in a later time zone & did not hear Adam make that comment. Maybe it was edited out?
It was, however, still in the captioning just not attributed to anyone.
We wondered if Adam said it out of frustration after losing two of his team members or if the person doing the captioning had a “moment”.
I think Adam is a douche but can’t work up any outrage over this particular off-the-cuff statement.
I’d still hit it.
And hate myself later.
IMO he didn’t need to apologize, and he shouldn’t have needed to explain either because people really shouldn’t have misinterpreted it in the first place. The public reaction is the most interesting part and why did so many not understand that he meant something else. “I hate this country/world/planet” is a saying.
This is stupid. Adam Levine is an arrogant ass, but why should he apologize or regret what he said. This is a ridiculous issue. In fact, it’s a non-issue. The media should apologize and say sorry for even reporting on it.
“This country” is fantastic and allows people like this tool to make sh*tty music and say whatever they want. It’s called freedom.
This country is imperfect and the uber patriotism espoused by some is pretty trite. It’s ok to think independently and criticize because that’s what makes this country great however imperfect it is.
There are plenty of days when ‘I hate this country’ too, Adam… but my disgust has more to do with the dysfunctional government and the ‘special’ treatment for big business that continues to reward bad behavior, leaving the majority of Americans left holding the bag. Don’t bother apologizing… they’ll never get it.