Kid Rock has faced backlash from the Special Olympics after using an ableist slur during a live appearance on Fox News. The musician, whose real name is Robert James Ritchie, joked he was going as “a r*****” for Halloween while holding a face mask over his mouth, prompting laughter from host Jesse Watters.
The term is widely recognised as a derogatory slur against people with intellectual disabilities. In response, Loretta Claiborne, Chief Inspiration Officer for the Special Olympics, published an open letter urging the singer to address his hurtful language.
“The R-Word deeply demeans and harms people with intellectual disabilities,” wrote Claiborne. “I’m writing to you personally with an urgent request: please acknowledge the hurt caused and use this moment to stand with us in rejecting that word and the prejudice it represents.”
Claiborne highlighted the painful history of such language and called on Kid Rock to help lead the conversation toward greater understanding and respect. She also offered to speak with him about the movement for inclusion.
The 54-year-old conservative musician, a longtime supporter of Donald Trump, also discussed performing at the president’s new White House ballroom during the same interview.
