Jelly Roll says he is considering leaving the United States and moving to the United Kingdom after facing a wave of criticism over his recent remarks.
The country singer discussed the situation during a new podcast appearance, where he expressed frustration over the backlash that followed jokes he made about President Donald Trump while guest-hosting Jimmy Kimmel Live!
Jelly Roll said he never expected the jokes to trigger such a strong reaction and insisted that he does not believe he did anything wrong.
“I didn’t make any mistake. Those were just some jokes, and people started canceling me. It’s like they don’t respect me anymore,” Jelly said.
The controversy has grown well beyond the original comments. Some fans have threatened to stop supporting the singer, while critics have accused him of becoming increasingly political. The dispute has also spilled into the country music industry, with several public figures commenting on Jelly Roll’s recent direction.
Jelly Roll said he feels particularly disappointed because of the years he has spent building his career and serving his country.
“This is what you get after serving your country for all these years. One joke, and you’re canceled and immediately disrespected,” Jelly added.
His comments come after he previously defended his decision to joke about Trump, arguing that political leaders should be able to take jokes and criticism. During his time hosting the late-night show, Jelly Roll also described himself as being “pretty down the middle,” while acknowledging that he leans left on some issues.
Those comments have not stopped the backlash.
Florida Congressman Jimmy Patronis has told Jelly Roll to stay out of the Panhandle, while country music personality John Rich has discussed the potential impact of the controversy on Jelly Roll’s audience. The singer has also faced calls from critics to be removed from various events and collaborations.
Now, Jelly Roll says he may look outside the United States for a fresh start.
“I hear the U.K. is nice this time of year. I’ve applied for a visa and wish to leave as soon as possible. I hope I get the respect I deserve there,” Jelly said.
The announcement immediately added another twist to the ongoing controversy. Some listeners took the comments as a genuine indication that Jelly Roll wants to relocate, while others viewed them as an emotional response to the criticism he has received.
For someone whose career has been closely tied to American country music, a move to Britain would be a major change.
Jelly Roll has not announced a specific departure date, and details about his reported visa application remain unclear. There is also no indication that he has permanently decided to leave the United States.
For now, the singer appears to be weighing his options while the debate surrounding his comments continues.
Whether the U.K. ultimately becomes Jelly Roll’s next home remains to be seen, but his latest comments show just how frustrated he has become with the reaction to his recent remarks.
