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Paramore’s Hayley Williams Claps Back at Kid Rock Over Apparent Jab
Nashville’s music scene, often a melting pot of genres and personalities, is currently buzzing with an unexpected exchange between Paramore frontwoman Hayley Williams and veteran rap-rocker Kid Rock. The recent back-and-forth ignited after Williams, a prominent voice in alternative music, seemingly became the target of Kid Rock’s commentary following her outspoken criticism of country star Morgan Wallen.
The controversy began when Williams, a Franklin, TN resident, used her new album to label Morgan Wallen a “racist country singer.” This comment drew fire from some conservative music fans. Soon after, during an interview with Fox News, Kid Rock, whose real name is Robert Ritchie, appeared to take a veiled swipe at Williams without naming her directly.
“It’s stupid,” Rock stated, “that there are people who think they’re cooler than art thou that worry about their outfit every day like some of these rock singers that live here in Nashville.” He continued, “I won’t say any names… or these chicks running around on their campuses with their blue hair, their five nose rings.”
Though Williams, 36, wasn’t explicitly mentioned, she evidently felt the remarks were aimed at her, and she quickly took to her Instagram Story to offer a spirited response. Sharing a clip of Rock’s interview, Williams recalled her childhood in Meridian, Mississippi. “The first time I heard a Kid Rock song was at Poplar Springs Elementary’s annual field day,” she wrote, referencing his breakthrough hit “Bawitdaba.”
“I thought it sounded dangerous and cool,” Williams reflected. “Later, I learned I wasn’t allowed to listen to him cause the Southern Baptist church said he was evil. My, how the turn tables!”
Williams’ initial remarks about Morgan Wallen were made during a Sept. 30 episode of The New York Times’ Popcast, where she discussed her album, Ego Death at a Bachelorette Party. On the title track, she sings about being “the biggest star, at this racist country singer’s bar.”
Williams clarified on the podcast that while the “country singer” could refer to a few individuals, she was “always talking about Morgan Wallen.” Wallen faced widespread controversy in 2021 after security footage showed him using a racial slur, an incident for which he issued an apology.
Kid Rock, 54, is no stranger to public controversy himself. In May 2025, during another appearance on Fox & Friends, he made headlines for comments regarding “liberal women” and the nation’s birth rate, remarks that drew criticism from many, including Stella Parton, sister of music icon Dolly Parton.
A May 2024 Rolling Stone article explored Rock’s provocative public persona, with writer David Peisner noting Rock’s apparent desire for controversy, quoting him saying, “Just write the most horrific article about me. Do it.
It helps me.” The article questioned whether Rock’s outspokenness is a calculated strategy to generate reactions.
As this latest celebrity spat unfolds, it highlights the ongoing intersection of music, politics, and public opinion in the ever-evolving entertainment landscape.