Kid Rock‘s use of a slur in a recent interview was definitely noticed by the Special Olympics.
During an appearance Friday on Fox News’ Jesse Watters Primetime, the “Bawitdaba” singer cracked up as he told the host that he planned to be “a r—–” for Halloween as he held a face mask over his mouth.
The host laughed, too, and added, “I guess you can be anything for Halloween.”
But the Special Olympics did not find the on-air moment funny.
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In response, Loretta Claiborne, the chief inspiration officer at the organization, which aims to “provide year-round sports training and athletic competition in a variety of Olympic-type sports for children and adults with intellectual disabilities,” released an open letter to Kid Rock, who was born Robert James Ritchie, about the appearance.
“The R-Word deeply demeans and harms people with intellectual disabilities,” Claiborne wrote. “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.”
She explained that he has “a powerful voice and a massive platform” and that “as an artist and cultural figure who influences millions, you can shape conversations and attitudes across this country.”
People with intellectual disabilities, she continued, “have suffered generations of discrimination and humiliation. 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.”
Claiborne noted that the “Spread the Word” campaign, which is backed by both the Special Olympics and Best Buddies, endeavors 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.”
Fox News
Kid Rock appears on Fox News
She said she heard the word repeatedly used against her during her childhood,
“It hurt deeply then, and it still hurts today,” Claiborne noted. “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.”
She would be “honored” to speak with the rocker, she said, to “use this moment to build a world where every person is valued and respected.”
Entertainment Weekly has reached out to Kid Rock.
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