Brad Paisley Attributes Online Backlash to Ukraine Solidarity Song to Russian Bots

Country musician Brad Paisley reported that his 2023 solidarity song for Ukraine, "Same Here," faced an online shift from positive reception to heavy criticism due to a coordinated Russian bot campaign.

In a podcast interview, Paisley discussed the release of the track, which features an audio recording of Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky. According to Paisley, web tracking initially showed overwhelming support before accounts appearing to be American users began posting negative responses.

Background of "Same Here"

• Creation: Paisley co-wrote the song with Lee Thomas Miller and Taylor Goldsmith following the 2022 invasion of Ukraine.
• Zelensky Collaboration: The track includes a portion of a 45-minute Zoom conversation between Paisley and Zelensky.
• Kyiv Visit: Paisley later traveled to Ukraine in April 2023 with U.S. senators, visiting Kyiv and performing in Saint Michael’s Square.
• Ambassadorship: He subsequently became a United24 ambassador to support the region.

Impact and Response

Paisley stated that the online criticism did not bother him, maintaining that the song reflected his personal convictions rather than a bid for universal approval. Listeners can verify original statements by reviewing interviews on podcast platforms or checking official artist announcements.

*Disclaimer: Claims regarding bot origin are reported based on web tracking observations cited in the interview.*