In a recent appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on July 31, 2025, Machine Gun Kelly (MGK), now performing under his real name Colson Baker, revealed a decision that has sparked widespread discussion in both entertainment and social media circles. The rapper-turned-actor disclosed that he turned down an audition for a role in Ryan Coogler’s critically acclaimed 2025 vampire thriller Sinners because the script required him to use the N-word. MGK’s refusal, coupled with his bold accusation that Coogler intentionally cast him in the role to provoke public backlash, has ignited debates about ethics in casting, artistic intent, and the responsibilities of actors in handling controversial material.

Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler and starring Michael B. Jordan as twin brothers navigating supernatural horrors in 1932 Mississippi, has been a box-office juggernaut, grossing over $365 million worldwide since its April release. The film, a blend of Southern Gothic horror and social commentary on Jim Crow-era racism, has been lauded for its bold exploration of racial themes. However, MGK’s comments have cast a shadow over the film’s production, raising questions about the intersection of creative choices and moral boundaries.

During the interview, MGK explained that he was considered for the role of Bert, a Ku Klux Klan member who transforms into a vampire after a deadly encounter. The character, ultimately played by Peter Dreimanis, utters a single racial slur in the script, a detail MGK found unacceptable. “I was supposed to be in that,” he said. “The vampire—they had me set up to do the audition. It’s the one in the house, the second vampire, the one that eats the family. In the audition, he has to say the ‘N-word,’ and I wouldn’t do it.” MGK’s refusal was met with praise from some quarters, with The Pat McAfee Show co-host Darius Butler giving him a fist bump for his stance.

However, MGK didn’t stop at explaining his decision. He went further, accusing Coogler of deliberately placing him in a position to stir controversy. “Stay away from me, wokes,” MGK declared, suggesting that the director’s casting choice was a calculated move to leverage his controversial public persona for publicity. This accusation has drawn sharp criticism, as Coogler, known for films like Black Panther and Fruitvale Station, has built a reputation for thoughtful storytelling that confronts systemic racism head-on. Industry observers have noted that Bert’s dialogue, while provocative, serves to underscore the film’s condemnation of historical bigotry, a nuance MGK’s comments appear to overlook.

The backlash on social media has been swift and polarized. Posts on X show a divide: some users applaud MGK for taking a stand against using the slur, citing his personal ties, including his biracial daughter, as context for his sensitivity. Others have called his accusation against Coogler baseless, pointing to a resurfaced 2012 video where MGK himself used the N-word in a derogatory context during a BET Awards interview, which undermines his moral high ground. Critics argue that his refusal to engage with the role’s historical context—set in an era where such language was rampant—misses the point of Coogler’s narrative, which uses horror to expose the ugliness of racism.

MGK’s decision also reignites a broader debate about actors’ responsibilities when portraying morally reprehensible characters. While some commend his choice to avoid the slur, others argue that acting requires embodying uncomfortable truths, particularly in a film like Sinners, where the language serves a narrative purpose. Coogler’s team and Warner Bros. have declined to comment on MGK’s claims, leaving the director’s intent open to speculation. Meanwhile, MGK remains focused on his acting ambitions, humorously pleading to Hollywood on The Pat McAfee Show: “I’d like to be in cinema while I still look young.”

As Sinners continues to stream on platforms like HBO Max and Prime Video, MGK’s comments ensure the film remains a lightning rod for discussion. His accusation against Coogler, whether rooted in genuine grievance or a bid for attention, has added a new layer to the conversation about art, ethics, and accountability in Hollywood. For now, MGK’s stance has cemented his image as an artist unafraid to draw lines, even as it raises questions about his understanding of the roles he rejects.