Kid Rock insists he’s not racist in bizarre letter

Robert Ritchie, otherwise known as Kid Rock, has written a lengthy post on his website claiming the “extreme left” are trying to “stir the pot” and label him a “racist” for his past use of the Confederate flag.

He also lashed out at charity organisations in Detroit which he has previously supported, stating that they “have [not] had anything to say about these unfounded attacks from these handful of jackasses and The Detroit Free Press”.

Furthermore, he condemned those who refuse to stand during the national anthem, stating: “I know I should probably not even have posted anything about these bottom feeders”, before signing off with “P.P.P.P.P.S. I LOVE BLACK PEOPLE!!”.

The outburst was fuelled in part by the backlash from Detroit Free Press. The news outlet have previously called his opening concert at Little Caesars Arena in Midtown Detroit a “Middle Finger to Detroiters. Editor Stephen Henderson accused Rock of being a “wanna-be hip-hop artist, eager to capitalise on the genre’s commercial success, to a bold celebrant of what might politely be called the culture of white resentment.” Protests have been planned by the National Action Network in response to Rock’s scheduled performance, amidst growing fears of violence at the show.

In July, Rock made an informal candidacy announcement for the United States Senate, and followed it up with tweet stating that he would “have a major announcement in the near future.

Kid Rock has not shied away from airing his political views before. During the 2016 presidential election Rock voiced his support for Donald Trump. In an interview with Rolling Stone, he said, “My feeling [is] let the motherfucking business guy run it like a fucking business. And his campaign has been entertaining as shit.”

Kid Rock’s opening performance is scheduled for today (12 September). The artist is expected to give an “exclusive insight into his political views and aspirations“.