The Special Olympics has called on musician Kid Rock to apologize after he used an offensive slur for people with intellectual disabilities during a recent television appearance.
During an interview on Fox News’ Jesse Watters Primetime Friday night, Kid Rock — whose real name is Robert Ritchie — joked that he planned to be a “r—–” for Halloween. The remark, made while he was wearing a medical mask, appeared to mock mask-wearing during the COVID-19 pandemic, a topic he has long criticized.
Loretta Claiborne, chief inspiration officer of the Special Olympics, issued an open letter condemning the comment and urging Kid Rock to “acknowledge the harm caused” and stand with the Special Olympics “in rejecting that word and the prejudice it represents.”
Claiborne, who is the first Special Olympics athlete elected to the organization’s board, stressed that the word has long been used to demean and dehumanize people with intellectual disabilities. “Words matter,” she said, noting that casual use of such language undermines the continued fight for respect and equality.
The Special Olympics launched its “Spread the Word to End the Word” campaign in 2009 to combat the use of the slur and promote inclusion and dignity.
Kid Rock has faced previous criticism for using racist and homophobic slurs in public appearances. As of now, he has not responded to the organization’s call for an apology.