Country star Trace Adkins says that his Confederate flag earpiece was a celebration of his Southern heritage. Mr. Adkins was spotted wearing the Confederate flag earpiece during an appearance on NBC’s “Christmas in Rockefeller Center” special that aired Wednesday. Mr. Adkins also wore the controversial earpiece when he performed during the previous week at the Saks Fifth Avenue Holiday window unveiling on November 19.

“As a proud American I object to oppression of any kind,” Mr. Adkins said in a statement released on his website Friday. “To me, the battle flag represents remembrance of my Southern lineage – I am a descendant of Confederate soldiers who followed that flag into battle. I advocate for the preservation of America’s battlefields and honest conversation about our Country’s history. To those who view the flag as a symbol of racism, that was not my message and I did not intend offense.”

After viewers spotted Mr. Adkins wearing the Confederate flag earpiece, they took to Twitter to react.

“Trace Adkins says the Confederate flag is just part of Southern heritage, like grits, magnolias, buying and selling human beings, treason,” one Twitter user tweeted.

“Did you see Trace Adkins’ confederate flag ear monitor at the NYC tree lighting? He probably should have sung White Christmas,” one user jokingly tweeted.

Other viewers supported Mr. Adkins decision to celebrate his Southern heritage.

“Anyone freaking out over Trace Adkins’ confederate flag earpiece has never been to a Myrtle Beach gift shop. It’s not that serious,” one Twitter user remarked.

“While everyone freaks out about Trace Adkins wearing a Confederate flag earpiece he’s in Japan entertaining our troops,” another supporters tweeted.

The country singer is currently in Japan on a USO tour. Mr. Adkins is scheduled to perform four private concerts for U.S. troops and their families in Japan during his seventh USO tour in 11 years.

“There is nothing more important to me than family,” Mr. Adkins said, according to CMT.com. “They are what matters most in my life. That’s why I always look forward to doing these USO tours. In many ways, this organization has become family to me. Of course, we can never forget who we’re doing this for — the brave individuals in uniform and those who support them around the world.”

Given their exposure to the spotlight, celebrities are primed to make controversial decisions or ill-timed remarks. Kim Kardashian of “Keeping up with the Kardashians” was recently ripped on Twitter for tweeting, ” praying for everyone in Israel.” While she apologized for and deleted her original post, Ms. Kardashian was slammed for being choosing to support one side and not the other.

If you put your beliefs on the line, as Mr. Adkins did last Wednesday, your likely to offend some people.

Was Mr. Adkins’ decision to wear a Confederate flag earpiece offensive? Sound off in the comments section.