Luke Combs apologizes for waving Confederate flag in Upchurch music video and says ‘there’s no excuse’

LUKE Combs has apologized for showing off Confederate flags in a 2015 music video, and insisted he's "trying to get better."

The country singer shared his remorse after a 2015 resurfaced where the flag, often considered to be a "hate symbol," appeared several times among the set and background actors.

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, 30, admitted he was "now aware how painful that image can be to someone else" while taking part in a live stream Q&A on Wednesday.

In speaking with the annual Country Radio Seminar, the singer announced: "I apologize for being associated with that.

"Hate is not a part of my core values, and it's not something that I consider a part of myself at all.

"I'm just looking ... not to say, 'I'm so sorry, please forgive me.'

"I'm here to say, 'I'm trying to learn. I'm trying to get better.'

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"I know that I'm a very highly visible member of the country music community right now, and I want to use that position for good and to say that people can change, and people do want to change, and I'm one of those people trying."

The music video, which features performer Ryan Upchurch, displayed the controversial flag on a stand, tee-shirts, hats, and a sticker on Luke's guitar.

The added: "I'm from the South and I'm proud of that," sharing that while growing up, the flag was an image that he thought meant "something else."

Throughout the diversity discussion, the country star explained how his views have evolved over the past few years.

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"I've grown in my time as an artist, and as the world has changed drastically ... I am now aware how painful that image can be to someone else.

"And no matter what I thought at the time ... I would never want to be associated with something that brings so much hurt to someone else."

Other notable figures have faced backlash over previous association with the Confederate flag, including two contestants of .

Demi Burnett, who appeared on season 23 of the ABC show, called herself "ignorant" as she with the flag.

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After explaining that she didn't realize the significance of the symbol, the reality star asked for forgiveness as she voiced: "I royally f***ed up wearing that. And I am so f***king sorry."

Current Bachelor contestant faced backlash after a photo resurfaced of her attending an .

Bachelor host defended the Georgia native, which led many to believe he was supporting "racism."

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, noting:  "I was wrong. I was ignorant, but my ignorance was racist.

"Racial progress and unity are impossible without (white) accountability, and I deserve to be held accountable for my actions."