Kid Rock allegedly waved gun at reporter, used racial slur during Rolling Stone interview

Kid Rock is no stranger to controversy, but the singer is now making headlines for his lack of decorum in an explosive interview with Rolling Stone magazine.

Rock, born Robert James Ritchie, was interviewed by reporter David Peisner for the wide-ranging profile, which was published online late Sunday.

Following a conversation that spanned political topics such as transgender rights and the 2020 U.S. presidential election, Peisner alleges the “Picture” singer took out a weapon during their exchange. The reporter also notes that Rock had been drinking three to four alcoholic beverages in “pretty quick succession” leading up to the incident.

“He’s sitting in a dark leather chair, shouting at me about something or other, when he reaches behind the seat, pulls out a black handgun, and waves it around to make some sort of point,” Peisner writes, adding that Rock shouted, “And I got a (expletive) gun right here if I need it! I got them everywhere!”

Peisner also alleges in the article that Rock uttered a racial slur several times throughout the interview.

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USA TODAY has reached out to a representative for Rock for comment.

Kid Rock utters racial slur repeatedly in Rolling Stone interview

Rock, who has become increasingly known for his political outspokenness, defended his support of former president and 2024 Republican candidate Donald Trump in his interview with Rolling Stone.

When asked by Peisner if he “might be on the wrong side of history” due to his political stance, Rock reveals that Detroit rapper Trick Trick, who is Black, allegedly voiced his support of Rock’s allegiance to Trump. The country-rock singer also calls Trick Trick a racial slur in his description of their conversation.

“It’s worth mentioning these are not the only times Ritchie drops" the offensive term during the interview, Peisner writes. “It’d be easy to label this as the rantings of a drunk racist, but as with everything that Ritchie does, it’s hard to know how calculated it all is.

“Is he just trying to get a reaction? Is he begging to be pilloried when this story comes out so he can launch into a very public tirade against 'cancel culture'? Is this all just a play for more attention?”

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Kid Rock says he’s ‘part of the problem’ when it comes to political discourse

While reflecting on his performance in “Americans,” a 2012 short film about political differences co-starring Sean Penn, Rock suggested to Rolling Stone that he has contributed to the contentious sociopolitical climate in the U.S.

Rock has famously used his music to express his right-wing views, including the 2022 single “We the People,” a fiery political anthem littered with criticisms of President Joe Biden, mainstream media outlets CNN and TMZ, social media platforms Facebook and X and the Black Lives Matter movement.

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“I’m part of the problem,” Rock told Peisner. “I’m one of the polarizing people, no question."

He added, “I’m not going to get it right every time, but I know my heart’s right. I want the best for this country.”

Contributing: USA TODAY staff report