In a shocking interview with Rolling Stone magazine, far-right rocker Kid Rock allegedly brandished a gun in the journalist’s face and repeatedly used the N-word. The incident occurred at Rock’s Nashville home, where he was interviewed by David Peisner. According to Peisner, Rock became increasingly intoxicated during the interview and grew verbally aggressive.
Rock, whose real name is Robert James Ritchie, reportedly pulled out a gun from behind his chair and waved it in Peisner’s face, exclaiming, “And I got a f-king goddamn gun right here if I need it! I got them everywhere!” The interview continued for over an hour, during which Rock casually used racial slurs without hesitation.
Peisner, who recalled old conversations with Rock, reported that he used the N-word several times during the interview. “It’s worth mentioning these are not the only times Ritchie drops the N-word during my visit,” Peisner wrote. “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.”
Rock’s alarming behavior and inflammatory remarks have drawn widespread condemnation. His political views, which include support for Donald Trump, have become increasingly polarizing. In the interview, Rock made other controversial statements, including jokes about his middle-aged white butler who he refers to by the racially charged nickname “Uncle Tom.”
Peisner contacted former acquaintances of Rock, who expressed concerns about the extent to which his behavior is rooted in genuine beliefs or is merely a performance to manage the emotional fallout of a waning career. When Peisner indicated his desire to leave, Rock became confrontational and argued with him. The two ended up “chest to chest,” with Rock standing in Peisner’s face.
Eventually, Rock agreed to drive Peisner half a mile to his car. As they rode up the driveway on Rock’s ATV, the two shook hands. Rock then requested that Peisner write a “horrific” article about him, believing it would benefit him in some way.
