On November 13, 2023, multiple news sources reported that country music legend Garth Brooks had to cancel the remaining dates of his “Plus One” residency at Wynn Las Vegas due to low ticket sales caused by a backlash from his audience. The alleged issue stemmed from Brooks’ inclusive attitude towards the trans community, which didn’t sit well with some of his fans. The Dunning-Kruger Times specifically reported that Brooks had to cancel 11 shows after ticket sales plummeted.
The controversy apparently began when conservative musicians, such as Kid Rock, Ted Nugent, Travis Tritt, and John Rich, initiated a boycott against Bud Light manufacturer Anheuser-Busch for featuring a transgender TikTok star in a social media campaign. Despite the controversy, Brooks took a different stance. In a June 2023 interview with Billboard magazine, he stated that his Nashville bar, Friends in Low Places, would serve every brand of beer and emphasized the importance of inclusivity.
However, it was later revealed that none of Brooks’ Wynn shows had been canceled. In fact, his “Plus One” residency was extended through July 13, 2024, as the tickets quickly sold out when they first went on sale in late 2022. The Dunning-Kruger Times, the source of the initial cancelation report, has been identified as a fake news website with no basis in reality. It is run by Christopher Blair, a known purveyor of fake news, who has been described as “the godfather of fake news” by BBC News.
Blair’s website lures unsuspecting readers with fake news stories crafted for maximum sensationalism and believability. Unfortunately, the website’s “About Us” page disclaims the factual accuracy of its content in the first sentence, although it is unlikely that people would check the page before sharing information. Blair’s response to criticism is also posted on the “About Us” page, in which he dismisses any concerns about the morality of his actions.
In conclusion, the widely reported news of Garth Brooks’ canceled shows was entirely fabricated by a fake news website, and the country superstar is still scheduled to perform at Wynn Las Vegas. This incident serves as a reminder to be cautious and verify the legitimacy of news sources before sharing information.
