Special Olympics Calls Out Kid Rock for Using R-Word

Kid Rock seems to have no issue hurling the R-word on national television … but the Special Olympics says he should think twice — writing an open letter to him explaining the harm caused by using that word.

ICYMI … Kid Rock appeared on “Jesse Watters Primetime” on Fox News last Friday — and used the slur while telling Watters what he plans to be for Halloween.

Now … in an open letter, Special Olympics Chief Inspiration Officer Loretta Claiborne is calling him out, urging him to take accountability. She says, “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 goes on to say Kid Rock has a massive platform that shapes conversations and attitudes across the country … telling him directly, “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 [r*t*rd].”

Claiborne adds that language plays a crucial role in their fight, and words like “r*t*rd” and “r*t*rded” have long been used to “belittle and dehumanize.”

She says she knows this pain personally … sharing that the R-word was used against her growing up — but she adds, “every moment of hurt can become a moment to teach, to grow, and to move forward together.”

Claiborne extends an olive branch to Kid Rock … inviting him to speak with her to discuss the movement for inclusion and respect.

She closes with … “You have the chance to turn this incident into a statement of strength, to acknowledge the harm, to stand with people with intellectual disabilities, and to help lead the conversation toward greater understanding and respect.”