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Machine Gun Kelly Declines Sinners Audition Over N-Word Requirement

His refusal to audition highlights a personal ethical boundary in his pursuit of future film roles.

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Machine Gun Kelly attends the 2025 BET Awards at Peacock Theater on June 09, 2025 in Los Angeles, California.

Overview

  • On The Pat McAfee Show on July 31, MGK said he was set to audition for the role of the second vampire, Bert, in Ryan Coogler’s Jim Crow–era horror drama before learning the part required saying the N-word.
  • He refused to utter the slur, the role subsequently went to Peter Dreimanis, and he received a fist bump from co-host Darius Butler in support of his stance.
  • Since its April 18 release, Sinners has grossed over $45 million domestically and $61 million worldwide, and it is now available on HBO Max.
  • MGK emphasized his ongoing acting ambitions, asking filmmakers to consider him while he still looks young and stressing that future parts must align with his principles.
  • His decision has reignited discussion about casting ethics and the challenges of depicting Jim Crow–era settings without forcing performers to compromise personal values.