ADVERTISEMENT

AOL Radio

Listen to AOL Radio Now
play arrow
Top Country - Today's Hottest Hits
Taylor Swift, Brad Paisley, Rascal Flatts
play arrow
'90s Country - '90s Biggest Hits
Garth Brooks, Reba McEntire, George Strait
play arrow
New Country First - Today's new country hits
Keith Urban, Toby Keith, Sugarland
Online Radio Guide

Exclusive Interviews

Chats with your favorite country stars.

Exclusive Performances

Watch live, in-studio performances.

Blogroll

Toby Keith, Kris Kristofferson Both Deny Feud

Who's the real bad guy -- Toby Keith or Ethan Hawke? Tables are certainly turning this week.

Keith and Kris Kristofferson are both speaking out about Hawke's recent article in Rolling Stone magazine, detailing an alleged encounter between the two country stars at Willie Nelson's 2003 birthday bash. The actor claims that he witnessed a heated exchange, during which an unnamed artist (whom he strongly hints was Keith) warned Kristofferson not to perform any "lefty" music and to "tone it down." Hawke claims the country legend bit back, asking the other musician, "What the f--- did you just say to me? ... You ever worn your country's uniform?"

The artist, according to Hawke, responded with a bewildered "What?," to which Kristofferson replied, "You heard the question! You just don't like the answer. I asked, 'Have you ever served your country?' The answer is, 'No, you have not ... You don't know what the hell you are talking about!'"

2009 ACM Awards Winners and Performers

    Carrie Underwood performs "I Told You So" at the 44th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 5, 2009.

    Mark J. Terrill, AP

    Hillary Scott, Charles Kelley and Dave Haywood of Lady Antebellum onstage during the 44th annual Academy Of Country Music Awards held at the MGM Grand on April 5, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

    Kevin Winter, Getty Images for ACM

    Musician Keith Urban performs onstage during the 44th annual Academy Of Country Music Awards held at the MGM Grand on April 5, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

    Ethan Miller, Getty Images

    Singer Miley Cyrus performs onstage during the 44th annual Academy Of Country Music Awards held at the MGM Grand on April 5, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

    Ethan Miller, Getty Images

    George Strait performs at the 44th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 5, 2009.

    Mark J. Terrill, AP

    Toby Keith performs onstage during the 44th annual Academy Of Country Music Awards held at the MGM Grand on April 5, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

    Ethan Miller, Getty Images

    Musician/singer Taylor Swift performs onstage during the 44th annual Academy Of Country Music Awards held at the MGM Grand on April 5, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

    Ethan Miller, Getty Images

    Kenny Chesney performs onstage during the 44th annual Academy Of Country Music Awards held at the MGM Grand on April 5, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

    Ethan Miller, Getty Images

    Singer Carrie Underwood performs onstage during the 44th annual Academy Of Country Music Awards held at the MGM Grand on April 5, 2009 in Las Vegas, Nevada.

    Kevin Winter, Getty Images for ACM

    Jamey Johnson performs "In Color" at the 44th Annual Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas on Sunday, April 5, 2009.

    Mark J. Terrill, AP


So did that conversation really happen? Both Keith and Kristofferson say no.

"I'm deeply grateful and was profoundly moved by Ethan Hawke's generous and respectful story about me," Kristofferson writes in a letter sent to Rolling Stone. "I have to say, though, I have no memory of talking so tough to anyone at Willie's birthday party -- least of all to Toby Keith, (if that's who the nameless star is), for whom I have nothing but admiration and respect."

Keith, who was never mentioned directly in the article but was strongly alluded to, was a lot less forgiving. "Kris and I are good friends," he tells CMT. "I don't have to defend myself on this. This is 100 percent fiction. I'd bet a million dollars on a lie detector test that this didn't happen ... So whoever he's talking about that he left nameless, there was a reason he left them nameless. He [Hawke] was insinuating me, which means he left it nameless because he doesn't want to deal with that."

Keith continued with some pretty harsh words for his accuser: "I don't care who he is. I don't know who he is. But you don't want to be sitting in a restaurant and have somebody come up and ask you a bunch of questions, and you can always say, 'I didn't say it was you.' When I call somebody out, I say their name," the country star continued. "So, you can talk to Kris and you can talk to Willie ... They'll all laugh and say it didn't happen. Somebody's trying to get fiction in whatever magazine to make themselves a story ... For somebody to use their star power to get in and then create some s--- like this is just unfortunate for everybody. But, you know what? When you climb the flagpole the highest, the more people can see your butt."

Keith's fury over the situation does not stop there. He also had a bone to pick with a Tennessean reporter who printed quotes from the Rolling Stone story. The two faced off in person, backstage at the ACM Awards Sunday night. Read a recap of Keith's heated tongue lashing here.

All the AOL Music info you want to know

Kenny Lattimore: 'Back 2 Cool' Album…

The Boombox

Frederick M. Brown, Getty Images For Kenny Lattimore, authenticity is about…

Prop 8 Ruled Unconstitutional: Music…

AOL Music Blog

Kevin Mazur, WireImage A federal appeals court has ruled California's…

Jonquil, 'It's My Part' -- Video of the…

Spinner

Artist: Jonquil Video: 'It's My Part' Highlight: "On the coldest day of 2011 we…

See all AOL Music »

Add a Comment

Sign in »
*0 / 3000 Character Maximum

283 Comments

Filter by:
redballsadanglin

Toby Keith is the greatest C&W singer that ever walked the earth. Ever. Better than anyone who ever sang a note of country music. Toby Keith is the reincarnation of Homer and Jethro and Hank Williams and Burl Ives all rolled into one. Toby Keith is a great American who wears his hat like a man and will kick the ass of anyone who offends Jesus. Toby Keith is the greatest piano player I have ever seen or heard and that includes Beethoven. Gob bless Toby Keith a fine American patriot.

August 13 2009 at 2:44 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
siz4sean

So we'll see you in Afghanistan soon?

May 09 2009 at 11:36 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
siz4sean

I hadn't read all the comments here, so I don't know if what I'm about to write has been addressed or not. The article states that Mr. keith stated something along the lines of, "None of that lefty stuff..."
Toby Keith is a Democrat. Often, other Democrats WANT him to be a right-winger so that they can knock him, but a Democrat probably wouldn't say such a thing as, "None of that lefty ...."
I've had the pleasure of seeing him perform at F.O.B. Marez in Mosul in 2005. He did a hell of a job for the USO. God bless him, even though he is a Democrat.

May 09 2009 at 11:33 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
SouthWest Meter

Toby Keith and Kris Kristoferson are both stand up guys that give a lot of time for our troops. I would never believe a "C" ranked actor trying to create name recognition by berating others. Hollywood is well populated with idiots like Ethan Hawke and Sean Penn who delight in promoting socialist dictators and knocking down people who are trying to make a real difference. Keep up the great work, Toby and Kris!

May 03 2009 at 1:24 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
jtobybears8

Isn't it funny how the Dixie Chicks can say what they want but Toby can't. Natalie is nothing but a coward, instead of bad mouthing The president in the USA she goes to another country. She says she was sorry for saying it and then turns around and takes it back (sounds like grade school to me). I don't believe a thing that comes out of that PIE HOLE at all. They brought it on themselves, Toby didn't do anything. They bashed their fans and their fans retaliated. So its wrong to not join the military if you don't have too. WOW that's something new to me. And Toby DOES NOT get paid for going over to entertain the troop (to whoever said that). And I noticed the Chicks have never gone over there. Toby goes overseas every year for the troops and said No matter where the are he will be there. You Rock Toby, keep it up.

April 13 2009 at 8:24 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
badredcamaro

Toby Keith sure seems pissed off, so I would tend to believe him. but come on Toby, this is not the first time that the media screwed up. (in my opinion they do it constantly) I remember a writer once told me that ALL articles should be written, when ALL of the FACTS have been revealed. Responsible Journalism is the bread and butter of the writer. This was obviously NOT the case. Therefore the reputation of the author will probably be in question for quite some time.

April 10 2009 at 5:36 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
Pat

Hate to read this for I love both Toby Keith and also Krisofferson (ms) But I would push both aside for their friend WILLIE!!!!!

April 09 2009 at 7:33 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
vickie

john....we all support the soldiers....I just don't want them to die for me....I can take care of myself.

April 09 2009 at 1:22 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
vickie

Hey...I'm a girly-girl and never wore any military uniform,either....but I do my country justice by being a good citizen,,,,as for keith.....he just can't stop ....he started trashing the dixie chicks and he still keeps making an ass out of himself....the incident happened...no reason for hawke to make it up....famous people all say ..."They like each other"very few bashing of one another because.. that.. could end their careers.

April 09 2009 at 1:20 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to vickie's comment
badredcamaro

vtracy95: I also was angry about what the Dixie Chicks had to say they should leave their personal views out of the issue, and do what they were PAID to do that night. SING. Everybody here wants rights and the Freedom of free speech, But is not willing to support and fight (if necessary) for them. Also you do NOT go to a foreign country and Bash the USA or It's President. Personally I feel That if you do not like it here, GET THE @#&# out. There are places on this earth where you say something negative about your country you would be killed, flogged, punished or Jailed. This is STILL the GREATEST country on earth. Toby Keith's father served in the military so there is LOYALTY to HIS COUNTRY, in his music and in his public life. WHERE is YOURS??? just because you do not share HIS view makes me believe that YOU are narrow minded and do not believe to agree to dis agree In my opinion YOU are THE ASS. you either believe in free speech or you do not. QUIT riding the fence, As it suits you. I know that I did not vote for Bill Clinton. But he was still the President of the U.S. and deserves to be Respected as ANY U.S. President should.

April 10 2009 at 6:07 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
John

Toby Keith is not only a very talented country music star and entertainer, but also appears to be a pretty nice guy. I've worked his shows and been backstage and he's always been a nice and decent guy. While he's made it big in the business, he seems to be cognizant of where he came from. In addition, he is a Patriot and I am glad he sticks up for what he believes is right!! It makes no difference if he wore the uniform or not, one can still be a Patriot (yes, I know I capitalized that but it was done intentionally) and not need to defend themself in any situation!! I like that somebody shows support for those serving in the U.S. Military!!

Keep up what you're doing Toby, the shows are great!!

April 09 2009 at 1:19 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply