Kid Rock's controversial past resurfaces after Gavin Newsom's California ban threat

Published on Thursday, February 26, 2026 by Bulletin Today USA


Kid Rock is once again in the spotlight after California Governor Gavin Newsom jokingly declared he was banning the musician from entering the state following a workout video featuring Robert F. Kennedy Jr.

Newsom’s announcement, which appeared tongue-in-cheek, quickly drew attention online. On X, the governor wrote: “I, GAVIN C. NEWSOM, AM OFFICIALLY BANNING 'KID ROCK' FROM CALIFORNIA. I HAVE SEEN ENOUGH.” He described the video as “NOT WHAT YOU WANT AROUND OUR CHILDREN!” and added that it was “inappropriate, creepy, and very low energy.” His office emphasized that California welcomes “winners” and that it would no longer tolerate “working out in jeans.”

The playful ban reignited discussion about Kid Rock’s decades-long record of public controversies. The 50-year-old musician has repeatedly drawn criticism for incorporating Confederate imagery in his performances and for making outspoken political statements. In 2011, amid allegations of racism linked to his Confederate flag displays, he said, “I've never flown that flag with any hate in my heart. Not one ounce. I love America. I love Detroit, and I love Black people.”

Over the years, Kid Rock has been involved in numerous public incidents. In 2007, he fought with Tommy Lee at the MTV Video Music Awards, later admitting their relationship had been strained for years. He received a misdemeanor battery citation but avoided arrest.

Other controversies include:

  • 2004 Super Bowl Halftime Performance: He cut a hole in an American flag, draped it over himself, and tossed it into the audience, prompting the Veterans of Foreign Wars to sue CBS.

  • 2006 Sex Tape Incident: A tape reportedly taken from Scott Stapp’s residence surfaced online, leading both musicians to obtain restraining orders against the distributing company.

  • 2015 Feuds: He publicly attacked Michael Moore and Seth Rogen over American Sniper comments, and criticized BeyoncĂ© in a Rolling Stone interview.

  • 2016 Colin Kaepernick Incident: He publicly condemned the quarterback for kneeling during the national anthem.

  • 2017 Senate Campaign Tease: He hinted at a run for Senate, later admitting it was a promotional stunt for his album Sweet Southern Sugar.

  • 2021 Homophobic Slur: During Pride Month, he used a slur on stage, later clarifying on social media that he had love for his LGBTQ+ friends.

In recent years, Kid Rock has taken on a prominent role within the MAGA movement. He performed at the 2024 Republican National Convention, at Trump’s MAGA victory rally over Kamala Harris, and again for the MAGA audience during the 2026 Super Bowl. After the NFL announced Bad Bunny as the official halftime performer, conservative group Turning Point USA organized a counter-event with Kid Rock as the headliner, joined by Brantley Gilbert, Lee Brice, and Gabby Barrett.

This latest episode with Governor Newsom has once again spotlighted Kid Rock’s polarizing public persona, demonstrating that even in jest, his actions continue to spark debate.