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 his versatile blend of hip-hop, rap rock, and country rock. Rising from the Detroit hip-hop scene, he achieved mainstream success with a genre-bending sound. He is a singer, rapper, songwriter, and self-taught multi-instrumentalist who has overseen the production of the majority of his albums.

Sections (4)

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

March 1991: Alcohol-Related Arrest

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

September 1997: Alcohol-Related Arrest

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

1999: Filming of Sex Tape

In 1999, Kid Rock and Scott Stapp were filmed in a sex tape during a party with groupies.

2004: Controversy at Super Bowl XXXVIII

In 2004, Kid Rock's performance at Super Bowl XXXVIII drew criticism for cutting a hole in an American flag and wearing it as a poncho, leading to accusations of desecrating the flag.

January 2005: Performance at George W. Bush's Inaugural Address

In January 2005, Kid Rock performed at the inaugural address of reelected president George W. Bush, drawing criticism from conservative groups for sexually explicit lyrics in his songs.

2005: Assault Charge

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

2006: Attempted Distribution of Sex Tape

In 2006, the pornographic film company Red Light District tried to distribute a 1999 sex tape of Kid Rock and Scott Stapp, prompting legal action from both to stop its release.

2007: Fistfight at MTV Video Music Awards

In 2007, Kid Rock engaged in a fistfight with Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee at the MTV Video Music Awards, leading to an assault charge. He was later arrested for battery after a fight at a Waffle House.

2007: Confederate Flag Display

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

2011: NAACP Honor and Confederate Flag 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 in my heart" and that he loves America, Detroit, and black people.

2013: Criticism of Ticket Pricing Laws

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

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, featuring the chorus of "Let's Go Brandon". He also released "Rockin'" and "The Last Dance" on the same day.

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January 28, 2022: Kid Rock Announces Policy Against COVID-19 Restrictions at Venues

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