The Chicks have no regrets being canceled for Bush remark: ‘Set us free’

The Chicks have no regrets about being one of the first targets of cancel culture — 20 years after making a snarky remark about former President George W. Bush.

Formerly known as the Dixie Chicks, the country trio, composed of lead singer Natalie Maines, 48, and sisters Martie Maguire, 53, and Emily Strayer, 50, were asked if the politically-charged statement is still a “defining episode” of the group’s career.

“It’s defining in the way it set us free,” Maines told the Los Angeles Times. “It got us out of this box of country music, which we never wanted to be in and never felt like that’s who we were.”

“We didn’t have to do any of that bulls–t anymore. It wasn’t like, ‘Oh, country music, please take us back.’ It was middle fingers: ‘Bye!’” she added.

On March 10, 2003, while on stage in London, Maines told the audience the group was “ashamed” that Bush was from their home state of Texas.

“Just so you know, we’re on the good side with y’all,” Maines said just days before the invasion of Iraq. “We do not want this war, this violence, and we’re ashamed that the president of the United States is from Texas.”

The Guardian published the comment, and The Chicks were quickly shunned by American fans, country radio, and fellow country artists.

But music heavyweights such as Bruce Springsteen and Madonna supported their right to speak out, although the Material Girl opted to delay her own graphic war-themed music video for “American Life” after the backlash.

The Chicks’ music and concert sales also plummeted, and the Lipton iced tea brand pulled the plug on its promotional contract with the group.

Maines issued an apology a few days later, saying her remark was “disrespectful” — but took it back in 2006, saying she felt Bush deserved no respect.

Bush responded to The Chicks’ comment in April 2003, arguing that they’re “free to speak their mind,” but “shouldn’t have their feelings hurt just because some people don’t want to buy their records when they speak out.”

“I don’t really care what the Dixie Chicks said,” he told broadcaster Tom Brokaw.

“I want to do what I think is right for the American people, and if some singers or Hollywood stars feel like speaking out, that’s fine. That’s the great thing about America.”

In May 2003, The Chicks famously graced the cover of Entertainment Weekly naked — with different names the American public had apparently called them, including “traitors,” “proud Americans,” “opinionated,” and “Dixie Sluts” — printed in bold black lettering on their bodies.

The “Not Ready To Make Nice” singers released a documentary in 2006 about the controversy titled “Shut Up and Sing.”

Their 2020 album “Gaslighter” was the first time in years The Chicks were seemingly welcomed and accepted by the American public again.

That same year, country singer turned pop sensation Taylor Swift, now 33, admitted she was “terrified” to get political after seeing how The Chicks’ comment “ended such a powerful reign.”