Kid Rock has sparked fresh outrage after using a homophobic slur for the second time in less than a week, following a concert in Tennessee where he directed the term at audience members filming with their phones.
The 50-year-old musician, whose real name is Bob Ritchie, tweeted on Wednesday: 'If Kid Rock using the word f – – – – t offends you, good chance you are one.' He added, '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.'
The controversy began on June 5, when a video clip showed Kid Rock performing at FishLipz Bar & Grill in Smithville, Tennessee. In the clip, he shouted, 'You f***ing f*****s with your iPhones out,' and gestured to his crotch while singing, 'You can post this d*** right here.'
Social media users were quick to criticise the singer for doubling down. One commenter wrote, 'Someone with gay friends wouldn’t use that word as an insult. Enjoy the continued loss of fans and income.' Another added, 'Funny how bigots always claim to have friends of whatever particular slur they happen to be slinging.'
Kid Rock is no stranger to controversy. In 2019, he was removed from the stage of his own Nashville bar after a rant in which he said of Oprah Winfrey and Joy Behar, 'they can suck a d*** sideways.' He later defended the comments, saying he was 'just an honest guy.'
