Hayley Williams is making one thing absolutely clear ahead of her upcoming tour: her concerts are not a safe space for hate. The Paramore frontwoman—now deep into promoting her solo project Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party—has doubled down on her long-standing belief that music spaces should reflect unity, not intolerance.

In a new interview with Clash Magazine, Williams opened up about the atmosphere she hopes to create during her tour and the type of fans she refuses to welcome. While she has always emphasized that “everyone is invited” to the communal energy of her shows, the singer says that invitation does not extend to people who bring prejudice or hostility into the room.

According to Williams, this new boundary wasn’t random. It came from years of observing how certain fans—particularly from communities of color, LGBTQ+ fans, and young women—found solace and acceptance in Paramore’s world. She said it has become “more important than ever” to protect those fans from harmful ideologies.

“I’ve always said that all are welcome,” the 36-year-old singer told Clash. “But I’m no longer pretending that racists, sexists, or people who believe transgender individuals are a burden belong anywhere near our shows. That’s a hard no for me now.”

Williams explained that her hope is not to police anyone but to ensure that discriminatory mindsets naturally feel out of place in a crowd built on “something positive, something connected, something freeing.”

This conversation resurfaced in part because of her track True Believer, a fan-favorite song that takes on fake morality, racial tension, and the uncomfortable contradictions she sees in parts of the American South—especially her home state, Tennessee. Williams said the song allowed her to address issues she had been wrestling with for years.

“Tennessee has so much to be proud of,” she said. “But people cling to the wrong things. I wanted to write about that. I wanted to write about the harmful version of Southern pride that pushes people out instead of pulling people in.”

Her boldness is not new. Williams has been one of the most vocal mainstream artists speaking out against racism and discrimination, even calling out country star Morgan Wallen in the title track of her latest solo project. She previously confirmed that her “racist country singer” lyric was directed at him, referencing his 2021 scandal.

Williams has also stood firmly against political figures whose policies she believes harm marginalized people. Ahead of the 2024 presidential election, she criticized Donald Trump for what she called dangerous plans targeting women, LGBTQ+ Americans, and communities of color.

Paramore, currently on a break, has also taken political stances under her leadership. Last year, the band rejected a proposed honor from Tennessee’s Republican-led legislature due to what they described as “blatant racism,” after lawmakers refused a similar acknowledgment for Grammy winner Allison Russell.

Now, as Williams prepares to kick off her solo tour on March 28 in Atlanta, she is making sure her shows serve as a refuge for people who feel marginalized—not a platform for those promoting prejudice.

Her rule moving forward is simple:
“All are welcome if you believe everyone deserves to be welcome. If not—you’re not invited.”

FAQ

1. Why is Hayley Williams refusing certain fans on her tour?

She insists that racists, sexists, and people who hold anti-trans beliefs will not be welcome at her shows because those values contradict the inclusive community she has built.

2. Is this connected to her new music?

Yes. Her songs—especially True Believer and Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party—address discrimination, hypocrisy, and social issues she has long wanted to discuss.

3. Did Hayley Williams call out Morgan Wallen?

She confirmed that the “racist country singer” referenced in her song is indeed Morgan Wallen, following his 2021 racial slur scandal.

4. When does her next tour begin?

Her solo tour is scheduled to start on March 28 in Atlanta.

5. Is Paramore involved?

No. Paramore is currently on an extended hiatus while Williams focuses on solo work.