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 recognized for his genre-bending career. Beginning in hip-hop in Detroit, he gained widespread popularity with a rap rock sound before evolving into country rock. Self-taught, he professes proficiency in various instruments and has significant involvement in the production of his albums.

Sections (4)

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

March 1991: Misdemeanor Charges in Michigan

In March 1991, Kid Rock faced misdemeanor charges stemming from alcohol-related arrests in Michigan.

September 1997: Misdemeanor Charges in Michigan

In September 1997, Kid Rock faced misdemeanor charges stemming from alcohol-related arrests in Michigan.

1997: Writing of "Cool, Daddy Cool"

In 1997, Kid Rock wrote the song "Cool, Daddy Cool" which was later used in the 2001 children's movie Osmosis Jones. The song contained controversial lyrics.

1999: Filming of Sex Tape

In 1999, Kid Rock and Scott Stapp, lead singer of the band Creed, were filmed partying and receiving oral sex from groupies in a sex tape.

2001: Start of Confederate Flag Display

Kid Rock displayed the confederate flag from 2001 to 2006.

2004: Criticism for Super Bowl Performance

Kid Rock's performance at Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004 drew criticism from Veterans of Foreign Wars and Senator Zell Miller for cutting a hole in an American flag and wearing it as a poncho; Ritchie was accused of "desecrating" the flag.

January 2005: Performance at George W. Bush Inauguration

In January 2005, Kid Rock performed at the inaugural address of reelected president George W. Bush, sparking criticism from conservative groups, due to singing about "how he sexually exploits every girl and then asks them if he can do it with their moms".

2005: Assault Charge at Strip Club

In 2005, Kid Rock was charged with assaulting a DJ in a strip club.

2006: Lawsuit to Stop Distribution of Sex Tape

In 2006, California pornographic film company Red Light District attempted to distribute a 1999 sex tape in which Kid Rock and Scott Stapp, lead singer of the band Creed, are seen partying and receiving oral sex from groupies; both Rock and Stapp filed with the California courts to sue the pornographers to stop the tape's distribution.

2006: End of Confederate Flag Display

Kid Rock displayed the confederate flag from 2001 to 2006.

2007: Altercation with Tommy Lee and Battery Charge

In 2007, Kid Rock got into a fistfight with Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee at the MTV Video Music Awards and was charged with assault. A month later, he was arrested and charged with battery after fighting with a Waffle House customer. He pleaded no contest to one count and was fined $1,000, as well as being required to perform 80 hours of community service and complete a six-hour anger management course.

2007: Confederate Flag Concerts Stopped

Kid Rock stopped displaying the Confederate flag at his concerts in 2007.

2011: NAACP Controversy

In 2011, Kid Rock was honored by the NAACP, sparking protests due to his past display of the Confederate flag. He stated he never flew the flag with hate and loves America, Detroit, and black people. He distanced himself from the flag that year.

2011: NAACP Honor and Confederate Flag Controversy

In 2011, Kid Rock was honored by the NAACP, which sparked protests stemming from his past display of the Confederate flag in his concerts. During the ceremony, Kid Rock elaborated on his display of the flag, stating, "[I] never flew the flag with hate in my heart [...] I love America, I love Detroit, and I love black people." Ritchie's publicist announced that 2011 was the year he officially distanced himself from the flag.

2013: Criticism of Republican Lawmakers in New York

In 2013, Kid Rock criticized Republican lawmakers in New York for passing laws which made it difficult for him to keep concert ticket prices low.

2015: Protests over Confederate Flag Display and Response

In 2015, following the Charleston church shooting, the Michigan chapter of the National Action Network protested outside of the Detroit Historical Museum which honored Kid Rock. He was urged to renounce the Confederate flag, which he had displayed in concerts from 2001 to 2006. He responded by telling protesters to "kiss my ass". The same day, the National Action Network protested Chevrolet for sponsoring Ritchie's tour.

September 2016: Alleged Criticism of Colin Kaepernick

In September 2016, Kid Rock was criticized 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 "Kid Rock for US Senate" yard sign on Twitter, later clarifying it was a hoax and donating $122,000 raised from merchandise to a voter registration group.

October 2017: Ended Senate run speculation

In October 2017, Kid Rock ended speculation about a potential Senate run, clarifying that it was a joke and donating the raised funds to a College Republican group.

November 2017: Fired Publicist

In November 2017, Kid Rock fired his publicist, Kirt Webster, after Webster was accused of sexual misconduct.

January 2018: NHL All-Star Game Headliner

In January 2018, the NHL announced Kid Rock as the headlining entertainer for their January 28 All-Star Game, sparking negative online responses.

2018: Speech at WWE Hall of Fame

During his 2018 speech at the 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 a series of inappropriate and inflammatory statements while intoxicated at his restaurant in Nashville, including about Oprah Winfrey and Joy Behar.

December 2019: Closure of Detroit Restaurant

In December 2019, Kid Rock decided to close the Detroit branch of his restaurant, located at the Little Caesar's Arena, after receiving major pushback for his comments in November.

June 2021: Controversy for using offensive language onstage

In June 2021, Kid Rock faced controversy for using a homophobic slur during a performance, later defending his remarks while claiming to love his "homosexual friends".

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," criticizing the media, Anthony Fauci, masks, COVID-19 restrictions, and Big Tech. On the same day, he also released the singles "Rockin'" and "The Last Dance".

January 28, 2022: Announcement of Mask/Vaccination Policy for Bad Reputation Tour

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

June 2022: Defense of Controversial Statements

In a June 2022 interview with Tucker Carlson, Kid Rock said he had nothing to apologize for regarding the incident.

June 30, 2022: Posted controversial meme on social media

On June 30, 2022, Kid Rock posted a meme on Truth Social and Twitter that was seen as homophobic and anti-gun, causing further controversy.

July 2022: Accusations of homophobia

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

April 3, 2023: Bud Light shooting video

On April 3, 2023, Kid Rock posted a video of himself shooting Bud Light cans in response to their partnership with a transgender influencer, leading to a boycott and sales drop.