Chase Rice Sparks Wave of Criticism after Joking about COVID-19 to Promote His New Song

Ever since his controversial concert in June, Chase Rice has received harsh comments on social media yet the country singer dared to make a COVID joke on Twitter.

Famous country singer, Chase Rice rose to fame as a contestant on the reality TV show "Survivor: Nicaragua." His fans, however, have been disappointed by the singer's nonchalant attitude towards the ongoing pandemic.

On November 30, the "Ride" artist shared a message on Twitter that indicated he was suffering from COVID-19 and it had affected his sense of taste and smell. He also stated that he would release a new song by midnight.

His next Tweet revealed that his sickness wasn't real and his new song was a collaboration with the duo Florida Georgia Line. Rice empathized his relationship with the group by writing:

"10 years after we started doing music together and lived together, we're at it again."

Fellow country singer, Kelsea Ballerini took to Twitter with a lengthy message, where she described Rice as "selfish."

The 35-year-old's tweets were used to promote his new song "Drinkin' Beer. Talkin' God. Amen" but fans were upset he chose to use a COVID reference for attention.

A female fan, who was suffering from coronavirus symptoms expressed her disappointment in the comment section. Another fan stated that she no longer respected Rice while

A concerned fan also reminded the artist that Tyler from Florida Georgia Line had battled with coronavirus. Other Twitter users were offended by the joke as they had lost loved ones and advised the singer to support "COVID survivors."

Rice's posts came five months after he held a concert with a live audience in June. He shared videos from his performance in Petros, Tennessee on Instagram and this caused several harsh criticisms from fans and celebrities alike.

Fellow country singer, Kelsea Ballerini took to Twitter with a lengthy message, where she described Rice as "selfish" for not prioritizing fans' safety over his need to tour.

Her message received Mickey Guyton's support, who also described the performance as a "selfish act." "The Voice" alum Cassadee Pope questioned the venue for allowing people in during the pandemic.

However, a spokesperson for the venue came to Rice defense and told sources that all COVID-19 safety protocols were followed and the concert involved less than 1000 people.