Major Controversies Surrounding Kid Rock: A Detailed Timeline

Controversies are a part of history. Explore the biggest scandals linked to Kid Rock.

Kid Rock, born Robert James Ritchie, is an American musician known for blending hip-hop, rock, and country influences. He started in the Detroit hip-hop scene and gained mainstream recognition with a rap rock sound before transitioning to country rock. A self-taught musician, Kid Rock claims proficiency in playing all instruments used by his backing band. He has been heavily involved in the production of the majority of his albums.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Controversies & Scandals

2001: Display of Confederate Flag

Starting in 2001, Kid Rock displayed the Confederate flag in concerts.

2011: NAACP Honor and Confederate Flag Controversy

In 2011, Kid Rock was honored by the NAACP, sparking protests due to his past use of the Confederate flag at concerts, after which he claimed he never flew the flag with hate in his heart and he loves America, Detroit, and black people.

2015: Confederate Flag Controversy

In 2015, the Michigan chapter of the National Action Network protested outside the Detroit Historical Museum, which honored Ritchie, urging him to renounce the Confederate flag. Ritchie responded with an email to Megyn Kelly, and the National Action Network protested Chevrolet for sponsoring his tour in 2015.

September 2016: Criticism for Colin Kaepernick comment

In September 2016, Kid Rock faced criticism for allegedly saying "man, fuck Colin Kaepernick" during a live performance of his song "Born Free".

July 12, 2017: "Kid Rock for US Senate" Hoax

On July 12, 2017, Kid Rock shared a photo of a "Kid Rock for US Senate" yard sign on Twitter, later clarifying it was a hoax and donating funds raised from merchandise to voter registration.

October 2017: End of Senate run speculation

In an October 2017 interview with Howard Stern, Kid Rock put an end to the speculation about a Senate run, saying that he never intended to run and that the campaign was a joke.

2018: WWE Hall of Fame speech

During his speech at the 2018 WWE Hall of Fame ceremony, Kid Rock stated that he wanted to "body slam some Democrats".

November 30, 2019: Controversial statements at Nashville restaurant

On November 30, 2019, Kid Rock drew controversy after he was recorded making inappropriate statements about Oprah Winfrey and Joy Behar while intoxicated at his Nashville restaurant.

December 2019: Closure of Detroit restaurant branch

In December 2019, following backlash from his controversial comments, Kid Rock decided to close the Detroit branch of his restaurant, located at the Little Caesar's Arena, stating, "it's wise to go where you're celebrated, not tolerated".

June 2021: Controversy over homophobic slur

In June 2021, Kid Rock attracted controversy for using the word "faggot" onstage during a tirade against fans filming his performance.

January 25, 2022: Release of "We the People", "Rockin'", and "The Last Dance"

On January 25, 2022, Kid Rock released the single "We the People", which criticizes the media, Anthony Fauci, face masks, COVID-19 restrictions, and Big Tech. On the same day, he also released "Rockin'" and "The Last Dance".

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January 28, 2022: Announces Mask and Vaccine Policy for Bad Reputation Tour

On January 28, 2022, Kid Rock announced that on his upcoming Bad Reputation Tour he would not perform at venues that require masks and proof of COVID-19 vaccination, and he would cancel shows at such places.

June 30, 2022: Controversial Tweet

On June 30, 2022, Kid Rock posted a meme on Truth Social and on Twitter stating, "If you're anti-gun, you don't get to celebrate the 4th of July, You would have never fought back. Enjoy your pride month. Pussy."

July 2022: Accusations of homophobia

In July 2022, Kid Rock faced additional accusations of homophobia after his June 30, 2022, post on Truth Social and Twitter.

April 3, 2023: Bud Light boycott video

On April 3, 2023, Kid Rock posted a video on Twitter showing him shooting cases of Bud Light beer cans with a submachine gun in response to Anheuser-Busch's advertising campaign featuring Dylan Mulvaney, leading to a boycott.