Credit: Clay Patrick McBrideKid Rock is standing by his previous use of the Confederate flag. In response to a demonstration in his hometown of Detroit protesting his association with the flag, which he has used in live performances, Rock said in a statement to Fox News, "Please tell the people who are protesting to kiss my a**."
The protest was staged by the Michigan Chapter of the National Action Network, the activist group founded by Rev. Al Sharpton. At the demonstration, Rev. Charles Williams II, president of the Michigan Chapter, called Rock "the hometown hero who is a zero with the Confederate flag," according to the Detroit Free Press.
"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?" added Sam Riddle, political director of the NAN.
In 2011, the Detroit Branch of the NAACP honored Rock with the Great Expectations Award. During his acceptance speech he acknowledged his use of the Confederate flag, telling the crowd, "I never flew that flag with any hate in my heart."
Though Rock has used the Confederate flag during past live performances, Detroit Free Press notes that "it isn't immediately clear whether any of Rock's performances this year have included the flag."
ABC News Radio has reached out to Rock's publicist for comment.
Copyright © 2015, ABC Radio. All rights reserved.