Stay up to date with notifications from The Independent

Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.

Kid Rock uses homophobic slur while addressing previous use of same slur

Singer recently seen in a video using the term on stage

Clémence Michallon
New York City
Thursday 10 June 2021 18:32 BST
Kid Rock Shouts Homophobic Slur At Fans in Tennessee
Leer en Español

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Kid Rock used a homophobic slur in a message addressing his past use of the same homophobic slur.

The singer was recently seen in a video using the slur on stage while performing in Smithville, Tennessee.

Video footage published by TMZ shows him shouting mid-performance: “F*** your iPhone, yeah,” apparently complaining about being filmed, then pointing at his crotch and singing: “You can “post this d*** right now.”

He is then heard yelling “You f*****g f*****s” before complaining about phones again.

Kid Rock appeared to address the video in a tweet on Monday, which read: “If Kid Rock using the word f***** offends you, good chance you are one. Either way, I know he has a lot of love for his gay friends and I will have a talk with him. Have a nice day.”

He signed the tweet with his legal name, “Bob Ritchie”.

Kid Rock’s tweet, as well as his initial use of the slur, have been met with criticism.

“If he respects his gay friends he wouldn’t use the word. But I’m guessing he doesn’t have any,” one person wrote in response to the tweet.

“Why use the word at all?” someone else asked. “Seriously what’s the point? Ewww.”

“Someone with gay friends wouldn’t use that word as an insult. Enjoy the continued loss of fans and income,” another person tweeted.

The Independent has contacted Kid Rock’s representative for comment.

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in