Kid Rock criticized by Special Olympics
Kid Rock is facing backlash after he used the R-word on national TV during a recent appearance on the Fox News show “Jesse Watters Primetime.”
His remarks came when he was explaining his plans for Halloween. After putting on a face mask – like those used during the COVID-19 pandemic – Rock said he was planning on dressing like a “r****d,” adding that it’s the “greatest costume ever.”
Now, the Special Olympics have reached out to the musician about his comments. In an open letter posted on the Special Olympics website, the organization’s Chief Inspiration Officer Loretta Claiborne is asking Rock to “acknowledge the hurt caused.”
“I watched with deep concern your recent appearance on Fox News with Jesse Watters, where you mentioned you were going to be a ‘retard’ for Halloween. The R-Word deeply demeans and harms people with intellectual disabilities,” Claiborne began. “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.”
“You have a powerful voice and a massive platform, and the world is watching. As an artist and cultural figure who influences millions, you can shape conversations and attitudes across this country. People with intellectual disabilities, one of the largest groups of people with disabilities in the world, have suffered generations of discrimination and humiliation,” she continued. “In the 21st century, we’re still continuing to fight for the simplest form of justice: the recognition of our full humanity, a recognition you undermine when you use the word retard.
“Language plays a crucial role in that fight. Words like ‘retarded’ and ‘retard’ have a long, painful history of being used to belittle and dehumanize. When anyone, especially someone in the public eye uses them, it reopens wounds that so many of us have worked so hard to heal.”
“Through our ‘Spread the Word’ campaign, Special Olympics and Best Buddies have joined hundreds of thousands of advocates around the world to end the casual use of the R-word and replace it with something far more powerful respect. We’ve made great progress, but every public use of that word sets us back and reinforces the stigma we’re trying to overcome.
“I know this pain personally. Growing up, I heard that word used against me again and again. It hurt deeply then, and it still hurts today. But I’ve also learned that every moment of hurt can become a moment to teach, to grow, and to move forward together. I believe this can be one of those moments.”
“You have the chance to turn this incident into a statement of strength, to acknowledge the harm, to stand with people with intellectual disabilities, and to help lead the conversation toward greater understanding and respect,” Claiborne added before offering to meet with Kid Rock personally.
“I would be honored to speak with you and share more about the movement for inclusion and respect that has changed so many lives, including my own. Together, we can use this moment to build a world where every person is valued and respected.”
Kid Rock has been vocal this year on Ticketmaster and Live Nation’s monopoly, teaming up with the Trump Administration to work on legislation to battle bots and unfair ticket pricing. He has even trashed Pearl Jam for their ‘Trump Derangement Syndrome’ and for not siding with him against Ticketmaster, as the band previously went after and boycotted Pearl Jam in the 90’s.
