Country singing star Tim McGraw is defending himself from growing criticisms aimed at him by gun advocates angered by his decision to headline a benefit concert commemorating the 2012 Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting.

NBC announced earlier this month that McGraw will headline "A Concert for Sandy Hook Promise" concert on July 17 in Hartford with proceeds going to the "Sandy Hook Promise," an organization that prides itself on eradicating gun violence.

The network adds Dean Brown, one of McGraw's band members, is a friend of the group's director, whose son was one of the Sandy Hook victims.

"Sandy Hook Promise teaches that we can do something to protect our children from gun violence," McGraw said in a statement released to the media. "I want to be a part of that promise -- as a father and as a friend."

According to the Huffington Post, shortly after word spread of the benefit, gun advocates took aim at McGraw and other singers scheduled to perform.

The website added Bob Owens of BearingArms.com went as far as to predict the move will come as an affront to McGraw's fan base, which "overwhelmingly supports gun rights, and views a concert benefiting Sandy Hook Promise as being a betrayal."

In his statement, McGraw stressed he isn't against legal gun rights and also noted much of the information thus far disseminated about organizers motivation for the concert has been off base.

As a gun owner, McGraw also made certain to highlight the fact he supports gun ownership, adding that he simply believes such rights come with the responsibility of taking the needed precautions to assure the utmost safety, particularly in when it comes to instances that could affect young children.

"I can't imagine anyone who disagrees with that," he added in his statement.