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Kid Rock Faces Backlash Over 'Retard' Costume Comment

10/29/2025

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Summary

Story summary

Robert James Ritchie (Kid Rock) faced backlash from the Special Olympics after calling his costume 'a retard' on Fox News.
Loretta Claiborne, Chief Inspiration Officer for the Special Olympics, wrote a letter urging Ritchie to recognize harm and reject such language.
She said the R-word demeans people with intellectual disabilities.
Claiborne expressed hope that Ritchie could turn the incident into a moment of strength and discuss respect and inclusion.

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Story summary

Robert James Ritchie (Kid Rock) faced backlash from the Special Olympics after calling his costume 'a retard' on Fox News.
Loretta Claiborne, Chief Inspiration Officer for the Special Olympics, wrote a letter urging Ritchie to recognize harm and reject such language.
She said the R-word demeans people with intellectual disabilities.
Claiborne expressed hope that Ritchie could turn the incident into a moment of strength and discuss respect and inclusion.