In Start
In a recent Fox Nation interview, Kid Rock—real name: Robert James Richie—remained unwaveringly staunch and unrepentant regarding a contentious 2019 incident. Known for being vocal, the rapper had angrily insulted media titans Joy Behar and Oprah Winfrey while performing at his Nashville honky-tonk. Kid Rock is unflinching in the face of criticism for his statements, saying, “A drunk man’s words are a sober man’s thoughts, I own what I said.”
The aforementioned incident happened in 2019 and was documented by TMZ, which showed Kid Rock cursing at Oprah Winfrey and Joy Behar while performing live. The musician opened up about the situation in the most recent interview with Carlson, saying, “I don’t apologize to anybody.” I am not an Oprah Winfrey fan. I got drunk and next thing, I’m on stage [saying] f— Oprah…”
Not only did Kid Rock not back down from his remarks, but he also restated his opinions from three years prior. As part of an episode of Fox Nation called “Life of a Rockstar,” Kid Rock’s interview gave viewers a peek into his life on the road, which included a visit to his ranch.
Nonetheless, the rapper acknowledged a misplaced remark from the same 2019 outburst. Kid Rock stated that he meant to address comedian Kathy Griffin with his remarks, but that he made a mistake and was attacking Kathie Lee Gifford. He revealed, “I was trying to go after Kathy Griffin, you know, for holding up Trump’s head, but I’m so out of it I’m like ‘f— Kathie Lee Gifford.'” in reflection on the event.
For Kid Rock, this debate is not a unique episode. Mayor John Cooper’s COVID-19 limitations were disregarded by his Big Ass Honky Tonk & Rock ‘n’ Roll Steakhouse in Nashville, which garnered media attention in March 2020. The establishment declined requests to restrict the number of customers and adhere to safety regulations, leading to its voluntary closure.
In 2020, Kid Rock also came under fire for trying to attend the last presidential debate without donning a mask, even though he and professional golfer John Daly had only a few months previously endorsed mask mandates. These episodes highlight the musician’s penchant for controversy and his readiness to voice his thoughts at any cost.
As Kid Rock sticks to his guns, the public’s response is still divided, with some supporting his freedom of speech and others denouncing how provocative his comments were. In an era of quick media scrutiny, the unfolding drama calls into question where public figures can draw the line between their right to personal expression and their responsibility.
