Following the discovery of a social media post, Caleb Kennedy will be leaving American Idol and returning to Spartanburg tonight.
In the Snapchat image, Kennedy can be seen sitting next to a person sporting what appears to be a Ku Klux Klan hood. According to Kennedy’s family, the video was shot when he was 12 years old.
“Hello everyone, I am going to let you all in on a little surprise: I will no longer be appearing on American Idol. On the internet, a video surfaced that showed actions that weren’t meant to be taken that way. I should not use my youth as an excuse for my actions; I should have thought them through.
I want to apologize to all of my fans and anyone else I may have disappointed. In spite of the fact that I know this has hurt and disappointed many people and caused them to lose respect for me, I will be taking a short break from social media in order to better myself. I’m truly sorry! I hope that one day I can earn back your respect and your trust! I appreciate your support, “Kennedy made the announcement on Instagram.
An update from me, about American Idol. pic.twitter.com/uuHc2sSiM4
— Caleb Kennedy (@calebkennedy) May 12, 2021
On Sunday’s American Idol episode, Caleb Kennedy performs a cover of “Midnight Train to Memphis” by Chris Stapleton.
The Herald-Journal will not link to the video because of the man’s age at the time the photo was taken.
The video was tweeted, and viewers have added the word “bow” and background music to some of the versions of the video. The original version of the video, which lacked any music or words, was seen by The Herald-Journal.
Tune in RIGHT NOW to @AmericanIdol and get ready to watch some amazing performances from the Top 16. Will I be one of them?! #IdolTonight pic.twitter.com/sF1D7N3Bgt
— Caleb Kennedy (@calebkennedy) April 12, 2021
What Happened to ‘American Idol’ Contestant Caleb Kennedy?
Fans heard far less from Caleb following his contentious removal from American Idol. On February 8, 2022, it was revealed that the singer had been charged with a DUI at the age of only 17 after a fatal car accident, which caused him to be arrested. According to South Carolina’s WSPA News, Caleb was indeed drunk when he drove off the road and up a private driveway on February 7, 2022, around 12:30 p.m. local time.
Larry Duane Parris, 54, was struck by his vehicle and killed as a result. Parris was later declared dead at a nearby hospital. Caleb received medical attention for his wounds while being admitted to the hospital.
“There aren’t many responses available in this area. In my 20 years in this industry, this is one of the most unusual projects I’ve ever worked on involving a car rather than a building “Chief of the Pacolet Fire District Heath Brown commented on the peculiar crash. Caleb is being detained at the Spartanburg County Detention Center after being charged with felony drunk driving that caused death.
Caleb’s Response to the Controversial Social Media Post
The three-second video was met with negative feedback on social media from the show’s followers, and Kennedy has been criticized for its content. However, Kennedy’s mother, Anita Guy, stated that the perception is not the intent of the video. Guy stated, “I hate that this has occurred and how Caleb is being portrayed online.”
‘American Idol’ Finalist Caleb Kennedy Exits Show After Alleged KKK Video Surfaces (via @Fox411) https://t.co/2cN3CY25oY
— TMZ (@TMZ) May 15, 2021
“This video was captured after Caleb watched “The Strangers: Prey at Night” and they were imitating the characters from that film. It had nothing to do with the Ku Klux Klan, but I recognize its appearance. Caleb does not possess a single racist bone. He has friends of every race and loves everyone.”
You have 8 hours to vote for me to make @AmericanIdol’s Top 10! I’d be honored to get your vote so please text 22 to 21523, vote on the app or on the website! Voting closes at 3am PST / 6am EST and results are announced tomorrow! Don’t miss it! #AmericanIdol pic.twitter.com/neNXFo8Kbm
— Caleb Kennedy (@calebkennedy) April 12, 2021
This video was captured during the popularity of “The Strangers: Prey at Night” and “V for Vendetta.” Guy reported that Kennedy enjoyed both of these films and even dressed up as V for Vendetta’s protagonist for Halloween when he was in seventh grade.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Is Caleb From American Idol in Jail?
Caleb Kennedy, a former “American Idol,” was granted a bond in a fatal car accident. Due to a DUI charge that led to the death of 54-year-old Larry Duane Parris, the country music singer had been incarcerated since February.
How Much is Caleb From American Idol Worth?
In April 1991, Caleb Johnson was born in Asheville, North Carolina. He is best known for taking home the title of American Idol’s 13th season winner.
How Much Does Caleb Make Per Episode?
Caleb found his breakthrough role in Stranger Things, much like many of his co-stars. He earns about $250,000 per episode of the science fiction series, in which he plays the lead role of Lucas Sinclair.