Country star Jason Aldean might have a tour, new songs and a recent album to celebrate (though no UK tour as of yet) - but he's currently hitting the headlines for less pleasant reasons. The 'Burnin It Down' singer donned blackface while dressing up as Lil Wayne for Halloween.

After a photograph appeared on the Nashville Gab of a man wearing blackface make-up and a dreadlock wig, a representative for the musician confirmed that the man was Aldean. Their explanation simply read that he "dressed as rapper Lil Wayne for Halloween."

Confirmed: Nincompoop @Jason_Aldean wore blackface on Halloween. https://t.co/i7vDitIZKF pic.twitter.com/RO6wPjKGED

— Nashville Cream (@NashvilleCream) November 10, 2015

The history of blackface is one loaded with problematic, racist connotations - it represents a time when white Americans would put dark paint on their faces and act out racist and offensive stereotypes. Its enduring symbolism as a remnant of systemic racism cannot be ignored today.

Aldean is yet to comment on the hideous costume choice.