Lady Antebellum changes name over slavery reference. How are country fans taking it?

Country music group Lady Antebellum is changing its name because of the reference to a period of U.S. history that involved slavery.

The band said Thursday it will now be called Lady A — a nickname already used by fans — and drop “Antebellum.” The group said it originally used the name for the southern “antebellum” home where they first took photos.

“As musicians, it reminded us of all the music born in the South that influenced us ... southern rock, blues, R&B, gospel and of course country,” the group said in its announcement. “But we are regretful and embarrassed to say that we did not take into account the associations that weigh down this word referring to the period of history before the Civil War, which includes slavery.”

The group said they spoke with black friends and colleagues, and apologized “for anyone who has felt unsafe, unseen or unvalued.”

“Causing pain was never our hearts’ intention, but it doesn’t change the fact that indeed, it did just that,” Lady A said. “So today, we speak up and make a change. We hope you will dig in and join us.”

The name change comes as other brands drop references and symbols of the South. NASCAR announced Wednesday that Confederate flags will be banned at its events, just days after the U.S. Navy joined the Marines in restricting use of the symbol.

Meanwhile, President Donald Trump has said he “will not even consider” renaming Army bases named for Confederate leaders.

While some fans applauded the change to Lady A, others expressed disappointment. Here’s how some reacted on social media.

This story was originally published June 11, 2020 at 10:05 AM with the headline "Lady Antebellum changes name over slavery reference. How are country fans taking it?."