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Kid Rock<\/a>‘s use of a slur in a recent interview was definitely noticed by the Special Olympics.<\/p>\n During an appearance Friday<\/a> on Fox News’ Jesse Watters Primetime<\/em>, 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.<\/p>\n The host laughed, too, and added, “I guess you can be anything for Halloween.”<\/p>\n But the Special Olympics did not find the on-air moment funny.<\/p>\n Get your daily dose of entertainment news, celebrity updates, and what to watch with our EW Dispatch newsletter<\/a>.<\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n 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<\/a>, who was born Robert James Ritchie, about the appearance.<\/p>\n “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.”<\/p>\n 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.”<\/p>\n 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.”<\/p>\n Claiborne noted that the “Spread the Word” campaign, which is backed by both the Special Olympics and Best Buddies<\/a>, endeavors to end “the casual use of the R-word and replace it with something far more powerful respect<\/strong>. We’ve made great progress, but every public use of that word sets us back and reinforces the stigma we\u2019re trying to overcome.”<\/p>\n