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 diverse musical style. Starting in hip-hop, he gained mainstream fame with rap rock before transitioning to country rock. A self-taught and multi-instrumentalist, he is a singer, rapper, and songwriter who has overseen production on the majority of his albums.

Sections (4)

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

1997: Kid Rock Writes "Cool, Daddy Cool"

In 1997, Kid Rock wrote the song "Cool, Daddy Cool", which included controversial lyrics, later used in the 2001 movie Osmosis Jones.

Loading Video...

1999: Kid Rock Sex Tape

In 1999, Kid Rock and Scott Stapp of Creed were filmed partying and receiving oral sex from groupies, resulting in legal action in 2006 to halt its distribution.

2001: Confederate flag display at concerts

In 2001, Kid Rock began displaying the Confederate flag at his concerts, a practice he continued until 2006.

2004: Kid Rock's Super Bowl Performance Draws Criticism

Kid Rock's performance at Super Bowl XXXVIII in 2004 was criticized by Veterans of Foreign Wars and Senator Zell Miller for cutting a hole in an American flag and wearing it as a poncho, with accusations of "desecrating" the flag.

January 2005: Kid Rock Performs 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 his lyrics.

2005: Kid Rock Charged with Assault

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

2006: Red Light District Attempts to Distribute Sex Tape

In 2006, the California pornographic film company Red Light District attempted to distribute a 1999 sex tape featuring Kid Rock and Scott Stapp, leading to legal action to stop the tape's distribution.

2007: Kid Rock Fights Tommy Lee and a Waffle House Customer

In 2007, Kid Rock got into a fistfight with Mötley Crüe drummer Tommy Lee at the MTV Video Music Awards and was later arrested for battery after fighting with a customer at Waffle House. He pleaded no contest to one count and was fined, ordered to perform community service, and complete anger management.

2007: Kid Rock Stops Displaying Confederate Flag at Concerts

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

2011: Kid Rock Honored by NAACP

In 2011, Kid Rock was honored by the NAACP, sparking protests due to his past use of the Confederate flag. He addressed the flag's display, stating it was never done with hate. His publicist announced 2011 as the year he officially distanced himself from the flag.

2013: Kid Rock Criticizes New York Lawmakers

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

2015: Charleston church shooting protest

In 2015, following the Charleston church shooting, the Michigan chapter of the National Action Network protested outside of the Detroit Historical Museum which honored Ritchie. They urged Ritchie to renounce the Confederate flag, which he had displayed in concerts from 2001 to 2006. Ritchie responded with an email to Megyn Kelly, and the National Action Network protested Chevrolet for sponsoring Ritchie's tour.

September 2016: Criticism for remarks about Colin Kaepernick

In September 2016, Ritchie was criticized for allegedly saying "man, fuck Colin Kaepernick" during a live performance of his song "Born Free".

October 2017: End to Senate run speculation

In October 2017, Ritchie put an end to the speculation of a senate run and clarified that the campaign was a joke. He donated the $122,000 he had raised by selling "Kid Rock for U.S. Senate" merchandise to CRNC Action, a College Republican group.

2018: WWE Hall of Fame speech

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

November 30, 2019: Controversial statements at Nashville restaurant

On November 30, 2019, Ritchie 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.

June 2021: Controversy over use of homophobic slur

In June 2021, Kid Rock attracted further controversy for using the word "faggot" onstage during a tirade against fans who were filming his performance. He later defended his remarks while "reaffirming his love for his homosexual friends".

January 25, 2022: Kid Rock Releases "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. He also released "Rockin'" and "The Last Dance" on the same day.

Loading Video...

January 28, 2022: Kid Rock Announces Restrictions on Bad Reputation Tour

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

June 2022: Defense of controversial statements

In June 2022, Ritchie said he had nothing to apologize for regarding the incident of November 30 in an interview with Tucker Carlson on Tucker Carlson Originals: Life of a Rockstar.

Loading Video...

June 30, 2022: Posting controversial meme

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 following his June 30 meme.

April 3, 2023: Shooting Bud Light beer in protest

On April 3, 2023, Kid Rock posted a video on Twitter in which he is shown shooting cases of Bud Light beer cans with a submachine gun, in response to an advertising campaign by Anheuser-Busch that features transgender influencer Dylan Mulvaney. After the shooting, he exclaims, "Fuck Bud Light. Fuck Anheuser-Busch."