'Scumbags': Ted Nugent Responds To McHenry County Fair Backlash

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL — Rocker Ted Nugent had something to say to those voicing their disapproval over the McHenry County Fair's choice to make him the 2019 headliner. The McHenry County Fair announced Friday that rocker Ted Nugent will headline the 2019 fair festivities on Aug. 3, and it didn't take long for a social media battle to ensue.

As of Wednesday afternoon, more than 1,400 comments can be seen under the Facebook post announcing the highly controversial performer's concert date, ranging from "so excited" to "I won't be attending," with some additional choice words thrown into the mix. Nugent didn't hesitate to share a Northwest Herald article about the backlash to his own Facebook page.

In his Facebook post, Nugent wrote, "Only liars and America hating scumbags have a problem with me. My spirit irritates their demons!"

A Facebook user commented on another post from Nugent, writing “It will be a target friendly environment for sure,” apparently referencing the fair, according to the Northwest Herald, to which Nugent responded, “Not target friendly Target rich" [sic].

Nugent has made many such controversial and threatening comments over the years, including racist attacks on former President Barack Obama, derogatory comments about women, homophobic remarks, racist defenses of apartheid in South Africa, and explicit lyrics about having sex with underage girls. He is also a strong supporter of the Second Amendment and has both attacked survivors of the Parkland school shooting and circulated conspiracy theories about the massacre.

But according to The Chicago Tribune, Jeff Kleinschmidt, who was hired as the entertainment director for this year’s fair, was “taken aback” at being the center of negative personal attacks for booking the rocker as the fair's headliner, adding that the goal was to hire a performer who is “an excellent musician and exciting performer.”

The Northwest Herald also reported Kleinschmidt said he has been booking performers at summer festivals for two decades and has never experienced backlash like this. That backlash has included angry emails and phone calls from people saying they are going to protest this year's fair.

Kristina Zahorik, chair of the Democratic Party of McHenry County, criticized the decision to book Nugent, but said though she's opposed to Nugent's performance, the Democratic Party of McHenry County has not called for a boycott or protest of the fair.

"I am very disappointed that the McHenry County Fair has chosen to feature Ted Nugent at this family friendly event," McHenry County District 3 Board Member Kelly Wegener commented. "The songs that Mr. Nugent performs are not appropriate for younger audiences and are disrespectful to women. Because he has a well documented history of racism and violent threats, I feel that the county should not be promoting him or his tour. As seen by the many comments against this event, I urge the McHenry County Fair leadership to reconsider this choice."

Facebook user Renee Lee commented: "It has come to my attention that you have decided to hire Ted Nugent to perform at this years fair. Since this is the case I wanted to let you know that I will not be attending, nor bringing the children in my family, nor spending any money at the fair this year. I have supported the fair, 4H, the kids who participate for years. I was a 4H participant as a child in the 60s. This choice is not appropriate for a family oriented event. Hopefully you will reconsider."

Similar reactions were seen back in 2017 when Naperville Ribfest organizers announced Toby Keith would play on June 30, the first day of the four-day fest. While the announcement may have pleased some fans, it didn't sit well with others, especially since Keith was one of a handful of musicians who agreed to perform at President Donald Trump's inauguration.

• More: Not Everybody Thrilled Toby Keith is Playing Naperville Ribfest

While many aren't pleased with the Nugent decision, several others appear to be looking forward to his performance, including Sandy Johnson Robertson, who commented: "This will be my first time at the McHenry County fair too and I’m bringing a crowd of people with me that are first timers too, just to see Ted!"

This year's McHenry County Fair runs Tuesday, July 30 through Sunday, Aug. 4 and is held in Woodstock. Tickets for Nugent's show start at $15 and went on sale Wednesday, April 10 at McHenryCountyFair.com.

More details on this year's fair can be found at McHenryCountyFair.com.