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Kid Rock says 'Kiss my ass' to protesters over his use of the Confederate flag

By Karen Butler
Kid Rock refuses to stop using the Confederate flag as a backdrop during his performances. Photo by Ed Locke/UPI
Kid Rock refuses to stop using the Confederate flag as a backdrop during his performances. Photo by Ed Locke/UPI | License Photo

NEW YORK, July 11 (UPI) -- Musician Kid Rock has flatly denied a demand from Al Sharpton's National Action Network to denounce the Confederate flag, which he has in the past used as a backdrop for his shows.

"Please tell the people who are protesting to kiss my ass," Kid Rock said in a statement to Fox News.

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Entertainment Weekly said members of the Detroit branch of the National Action Network this week met at the Detroit Historical Museum to protest Kid Rock's use of the controversial emblem.

"How in the hell can Kid Rock represent Detroit and wave that flag just generating millions and millions in ticket sales -- a flag that represents genocide to most of Detroit?" said the organization's political director, Sam Riddle.

Protesters have threatened to boycott the museum because Kid Rock is included in an exhibit promoting 100 years of music in Detroit.

South Carolina ceremoniously removed its Confederate flag from the state Capitol on Friday, as lawmakers across the United States continue to debate similar actions that would abolish the flag and symbols incorporating it from everything ranging from license plates to national parks.

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Those who believe the flag should be banned say it is a symbol of racism and hatred, while proponents for keeping it argue it is a part of Southern culture and history.

The furor over the flag began when nine black churchgoers were gunned down in an apparent racially motivated shooting in Charleston, S.C., on June 17. A photograph of the white alleged gunman showed him wearing a jacket with the flag on it.

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