Setting The Record Straight On Kenny’s Playboy Interview

blueblood says

The point isn’t how many women he’s slept with. The point is that it is classless to brag about it AND when you combine it with his anger about the gay rumors what it says about Kenny is that he thinks it’s more morally acceptable to be promiscuous than gay. That makes him prejudiced and it is extremely disappointing to see someone representing country music still stuck in that mindset.

I know you ladies are fans but Kenny should be called out for reinforcing homophobia. I’ve got no problem with him denying being gay but the way he went about it was morally wrong. I’m a straight woman who has lost a great deal of respect for Kenny as a result of this interview.

February 18th, 2009

blondie says

Amen sister!

February 18th, 2009

CountryMusicIsLove says

blueblood – yes, it’s clear that we are Kenny fans, but this isn’t stemming from being a fan…this is stemming from reading an entire article before people are making judgements. I wouldn’t say that Kenny was bragging – but he was asked the question, so he answered it honestly. He could have lied and said a number that was much more socially acceptable – but what’s the sense in lying? I don’t think he’s bragging or saying that it’s acceptable – just simply being honest.

As far as the homophobia – I respectfully disagree. If I was in the public eye and my sexuality was being questioned in magazines and all over the media, I would be uncomfortable with that. I’m certainly not homophobic but I wouldn’t like being under the speculation that he’s been under.

I greatly respect your opinions and thank you for sharing them – but I do hope you’ve read the entire interview to get the overall feel of Kenny’s comments. I’m not asking anyone to agree with him – just encouraging everyone to educate themselves with the information before judging. That’s all.

February 18th, 2009

Judy the Author says

I thought it was a pretty refreshing interview…I think he is just being honest about himself. It doesn’t matter what he says about the Renee/gay/fraud mess- he can’t win with any response. He went along with what he thought would be the right thing to do in the annulment and then it fueled a whole rumor whirlwind in itself. Personally, if I were him, I would be annoyed too because people constantly want to bring it up. I have been called a racist, atheist and a lesbian – all of which are untrue…and it does piss me off because people were making judgments about me when they didn’t even know me. I’m not a homophobe – I love the gays…what pisses me off was the fact that people could be so judgmental and that more people feed off of it.

I didn’t think he was bragging…I think he was just being honest. He went from being a geek in high school to superstar and he was just saying ‘wow…it is what every American boy dreams of and it is happening to me’…

Again, it doesn’t ever matter what he says or doesn’t say – people will get offended at something in every interview. To thine own self be true….he is who he is.

And really…would country music support an openly gay artist? well….let’s ask Sugarland why there were three and now there are two….

We are merely fans of the music…but it is a Machine. Just like Hollywood. Just like Business.

February 18th, 2009

Chucks Gay Boyfriend says

I had Kenny…he wasn’t that good. Chuck is MUCH better!

February 18th, 2009

Gail says

I still think the way I’ve always thought about Kenny! He’s an egotistical, arrogant, and immature person, gay or not! I have never thought one way or the other about his sexuality and could care less! If the subject of his Renee relationship is “old” then why does he still keep talking about it. If he didn’t want to talk about then say, no comment or lets not go there! You here at this site who are so obsessed with Kenny should just let it lay too and stop trying to defend him. People can read and make up their own minds. I’ve never been a fan of Kenny’s. He comes off to me as a fake and a phoney! You say that their are plenty of artist that have slept with a lot of others…..well who are they? The only one I know who is talking is Kenny and that is so immature!

February 18th, 2009

drew says

i have to agree with the posters…why put that out there that you have slept with hundreds of women. He did that all wrong and you guys can’t deny that. Its about class….and they way he did this interview, he didn’t show any.

February 18th, 2009

Jen says

How about Hank Williams? I heard he was a ladies man. I think most male artists have been with more than one. I read the entire article, in fact I printed out Kenny’s article from the digital issue (and no I did not print off any of the nearly nude gross pics from the other stuff) and I’m still enjoying the read. If you go here – http://www.geocities.com/kennyaddictsowners/ and read the older interviews he did with Penthouse & Playboy maybe this one would start to make more sense to ya.

He has to keep defending himself because of stupid jerks that keep saying he’s gay. He said in the fan club chat that the gay comments really do get to him. I could tell from that chat (2003) that he’s funny, genuine and someone I would be friends with, gay or not.

February 18th, 2009

STFU says

Blueblood-You are so quick to judge Kenny for defending his name yet you made it a point to mention that you are straight?

February 18th, 2009

CountryMusicIsLove says

Gail & Drew – to me, it’s not about the debate of whether he should have said this or should have said that. In my personal opinion, I think he was just being honest and I respect the honesty factor. Obviously it’s not the classiest subject or number – but it’s Playboy and they’re going to ask those questions – so he answered honestly.

My points are just my points – I’m simply expressing them just as you are, but my intention isn’t to defend Kenny – my intention is to encourage readers to READ the article and base their judgements on that, not on just the snippets they’re hearing through the media. That was my point. Say what you will about Kenny and any opinion is more than welcome here, but I just hope people would fully educate themselves before making judgements.

February 18th, 2009

CountryMusicIsLove says

Gail – for the record, I do agree with you that Kenny should let the whole Renee subject rest – it’s in the past and certainly the media won’t put it away until he does. So I do agree that he should divert attention from that subject if he doesn’t want to keep hearing the backlash.

As far as us being “obsessed,” I disagree and I take offense in the tone that your message came across in. Yes, we are Kenny fans – we are fans of country music and just like anyone else, we have our favorites. But we do try our very hardest to be partial to all artists on this site. If you ever have suggestions or news articles that you’d like us to post on other artists, please feel free to e-mail us at contactus@countrymusicislove.com. We like to write about everyone and anyone as much as possible. We write about the news that we have, so if you feel that we’ve missed some news on your favorite artist, please let us know.

February 18th, 2009

blueblood says

“Blueblood-You are so quick to judge Kenny for defending his name yet you made it a point to mention that you are straight?”

I also said I’m female. I’ve found it helpful to identify both upfront in online conversations about issues of tolerance because those are questions that get asked in an effort to identify a person’s cultural experience with those issues.

I guess I could’ve said I’m a research director by profession. So if it makes you happier, I’m a research director who has lost a lot of respect for Kenny Chesney because of this interview.

CMIL ladies: I made sure to read the full interview before opening my mouth because I really hoped to find something that would make Chesney seem less intolerant of the gay perception. I didn’t find that. There are tons of celebrities who have faced speculation about their sexual orientation who have responded with a lot more class and grace. Even Kanye West is doing a better job these days, doesn’t that say something, considering he is facing a culture that has shown similar intolerance as Kenny has?

February 18th, 2009

Chrissy says

I’m a huge Kenny fan and I loved the article…he was being honest and true about himself…people need to see him for who he is…a human being

February 18th, 2009

CountryMusicIsLove says

blueblood – kudos to you for reading the entire interview before making your decisions. That was the entire point that we were trying to get across, so we’re glad to hear that people are actually reading before making their judgements!

February 18th, 2009

Country Music Tattle Tale » Kenny Chesney Fans Say There Two Sides to Every Story says

[...] and not necessary BUT we have not read the entier interview article yet.  The girls over at CMIL are trying to set the record straight.  They say that the interview includes Kenny chatting [...]

February 18th, 2009

blueblood says

One more comment to clarify something because the CMIL ladies are being very respectful and I really appreciate that. But I said something misleading and don’t deserve any kudos for that: when I first read Kenny’s comments in the AP article, I DID speak up here and other places because I was outraged and that was before reading the whole article. But I did make sure to read it in full before posting about it here again. It may not have changed my opinion but I don’t want to make it sound like I handled it perfectly.

The CMIL ladies deserve major kudos for being so respectful of people who disagree with them. Maybe we can all agree that the interview isn’t going to be for naught if it can get people talking about issues like respect for and prejudice against people based on gender and sexual orientation.

February 18th, 2009

Gail says

CMIL ladies, I don’t understand , fully educate!! I read it and in fact the DJs on my station were interviewing Jimmy Carter, the ET reporter and he read portions of the interview and he himself said Kenny should have stopped at I’m not gay and left it at that, but he went on to say he slept with over 100 women. If you all, as ladies, I guess, do not feel bitterness against the way Kenny discusses the subject of sleeping with women as if it were just another notch in his belt to prove that he is a he-man then that’s your choice, but that’s why society is the way it is today. You all push this off as him just answering a question honestly (bragging would be more like it) and not degrading a beautiful and private thing. You jump at me because I gave my opinion that you asked for, but your original post was asking us to overlook anything he said until we read the whole article. His bragging about sleeping with that many women was enough for me to draw my conclusion of his actions. I was really hoping this was going to be a neutral board to come to and it not be all about Kenny but I was wrong. If you all don’t mind his sickening comments and think so little of his actions and in fact defending him, then I will not visit here anymore. I have more respect for something so sacred. Think about it, if any other artist had said this and not Kenny, what would your opinion have been then?

February 18th, 2009

Julie says

Sure Kenny was asked a question and he was honest. But he could have just as easily and politely said that that number/topic is not up for discussion. This man was raised by all women for peat sakes. And it seems he maybe looking for long-term relationship, possible wife. Why on earth would he want the world to know he has little respect for women.

And let’s not forget the double standard here ladies. If Jennifer Nettles, Sara Evan, Faith Hill came out with this info they would be crucified!

February 18th, 2009

CountryMusicIsLove says

Gail – you read the article, and that’s what our whole point was that we were trying to make. It doesn’t matter if anyone agrees/disagrees with Kenny or whoever the artist may be…we were simply hoping that people would read the entire article before basing their judgements, whatever they may be. That’s all. We’re not suggesting that your opinions are wrong – everyone is entitled to their own thoughts – again, we were just hoping that everyone would read the article in full before drawing to their own conclusions. The article was actually a good read and there were many other great pieces of the article, so it’s been a shame to see those few comments the only thing being recognized when in reality, the article was about so much more.

February 18th, 2009

Julie says

Just b/c the article does have many other great pieces; the facts are still the facts.

Regardless he’s still getting a lot of PR from it.

February 18th, 2009

Amber says

who cares!! keith urban all the way baby!!! lol =D

February 18th, 2009

Alison says

In the end it isn’t about how many women he has slept with (although I didn’t mind him telling,Im nosy and like to know these things), it isn’t about wither he is gay or straight. Its about the music.

February 18th, 2009

Eric says

I completely agree with all of this! I, myself, have read the whole article and it talks about a lot more stuff than what the media is releasing. The press is just releasing all of the stuff that makes Kenny sound like a man whore. lol. I’m so sick of hearing about all this that it makes me want to like live in a hole! lol. The whole gay rumor is over and done with. People need to stop talking about it. It’s history and it should stay just that.

The whole ‘Kenny sleeping with 100+ women’ thing is ridiculous. Personally, I wouldn’t want to tell the whole world about that, but you have to think about what kind of magazine he said that in. It’s Playboy Magazine. Just think about that.

People just need to lay off Kenny. If you haven’t read the whole article, you are in no place to judge. That’s all I’m saying.

February 18th, 2009

Topics about Music » CountryMusicIsLove » Setting The Record Straight On Kenny’s b…/b says

[...] CountryMusicIsLove created an interesting post today on CountryMusicIsLove » Setting The Record Straight On Kennyâ [...]

February 18th, 2009

STFU says

I think Gail needs to get laid.

February 18th, 2009

Kennyfan says

I havent read the interview .I dont plain on reading the interview . Is kenny gay ?? i dnt know …I dnt care . Did he sleep with 100 women ???? Maybe …maybe not !!!
WHY DO YOU PEOPLE CARE ??????????

February 18th, 2009

Olivia says

I am not sure Kenny knew that this would happen with the interview.
He may not have seen a final edit, so may have been surprised like many. Nothing he can do about it now.

I think so many times Kenny does not honestly think when he makes some comments. Like thanking mom and dad for having sex when he won the ACM.
Kenny is going to do what he wants, when he wants. He has come far enough and has much success that he can pretty much do what he wants.
I will say there IS a chance that the ACM voting board may not like this interview and his days as ACM Entertainer may have ended.
If so I do hope Brad Paisley gets it.
I do not think Carrie deserves it after JUST one headlining tour.

February 18th, 2009

Chucks Gay Boyfriend says

He is so gay…

Not that anything is wrong with that…just ask Chuck!

February 18th, 2009

Gail J. says

I read the entire article and thought it was honest and covered many subjects. I was saddened by several areas that Kenny felt he needed to answer. I was brought up differently I guess and there are some things are better left private. 100+ women is TMI for me and not appropriate for an EOTY. The CMA has made it a point to explain that EOTY is based on a person’s character because they are representing country music, not just record sales and tours. I think Kenny just threw away any future CMA EOTY awards. Maybe that was his intent and he doesn’t want the title anymore. The ACM EOTY is now a popularity contest with voting. If Taylor Swift was in the category she would win and has never headlined a tour. I am soo tired of the whole Renee thing and it’s time to move on. Every time Renee has a new movie she doesn’t bring up Kenny to get publicity. Yes playboy is going to bring up those questions but I think they could have been answered with more class. The whole gay thing is old too and the more times he denies it people are still going to think he is gay. I did appreciate his honest answers and thought there were some good parts of the interview. If his goal was to get publicity he succeeded. At this stage in his career I’m not sure why he needed to do an interview like this. Only Kenny can answer that question. I think the press did bias some people’s opinions with focusing only on a small part of the interview. I’m still a fan of the music and appreciate his professional talents. Maybe we put Kenny too high on a pedestal and he was showing he is human. In the end I’m not sure he gained more than he lost. JMO

February 18th, 2009

Julie says

I do think there were more points to this article than the gay parts and the sex parts, but that’s what sells unfortunately. He did keep quiet about everything for a very long time and it didn’t go away. I would want to defend it too, but it’s been how many years…if people think he’s gay nothing is going to change their minds now. I don’t think he has an anger problem…if he did he probably wouldn’t still have most of the same crew members he started out with. It sounds to me like the Playstation thing was in good fun and he can afford to trash a Playstation if that’s what he wants to do. He has been in the business for a VERY long time, he’s never single, and going from being a geek in school to what he became, you know he was going to take advantage of that. As a young guy in the business…what do you expect? Most men are that way at that age, add fortune and fame and look out! Sure he probably could have done without the number but it’s Playboy, that’s what they print and he doesn’t normally talk about this kind of stuff. His private life is usually very private.
I am a huge fan of Kenny’s and I feel like when you follow an artist more than others, there are certain things you can tell about them because you can’t fake it all the time. I think that Kenny is a very sincere person and I don’t think he would try to be disrespectful or crude. I think that when you’re in his position you aren’t going to please everyone. I think the type of magazine it was for made a huge difference in some of his answers. I Think that all country music artists, not just Kenny, are usually very respectful, but not all of them can be perfect all the time.

February 19th, 2009

Robert says

As I read everybody’s comments Im kinda pissed. Just leave the man alone he told us he wasnt gay so leave it at that. I hate people who think they know him. His musics great, hes the best entertainer out there. The playboy interview didnt effect me at all I’m still a huge fan. You guys need to quit getting into kenny’s life. Let it go. I personally think that kenny is not gay. And ill leave it at that.

February 19th, 2009

Chucks Gay Boyfriend says

The lady doth protest too much, methinks.

February 19th, 2009

Captain Betty says

A.M.E.N. Erin & Lauren! Well worded

February 19th, 2009

UseYour Brain says

At the time the article came out, the label was trying to push for “Down the Road” to go number one, knowing that this article would generate publicity…that means his song would get played before or after djs talk about it on the air….duh! And hello, it’s now number one. I know this because I work in radio and we discussed this with his record rep.

I have met Kenny a few times, and been around him. He is extremely arrogant and cocky. Though “Old Blue Chair” is my favorite album…I like his music…not him.

And for him to release songs like “There Goes My Life” and “Don’t Blink” and to turn around and say something along the lines that if I had a wife, kids and a dog I’d probably blow my brains out…is hypocritical. It’s all about the money.

February 19th, 2009

Olivia says

And for him to release songs like “There Goes My Life� and “Don’t Blink� and to turn around and say something along the lines that if I had a wife, kids and a dog I’d probably blow my brains out…is hypocritical. It’s all about the money.

JMO……but an artist does not have to believe every word of every song they record and sing.
Also, maybe people are taking this ‘blow my brains’ out too literally.
Whether or not Kenny wants to get married, does not change the shows he puts on and the music he makes.

February 19th, 2009

UseYour Brain says

I respect real people. I don’t want kids and if I were a singer, there would be no way in hell that I would release a song to suggest that I love kids & family, when I don’t. Guess I’m a dying breed of people who aren’t hypocrites.

February 19th, 2009

Chesney's Island Princess says

I think it’s a great interview! :D I agree with ya’ll CMIL! I just wish the media would stop twisting stories & causing scenes because that’s how rumors are spread, but I know that they won’t! But if I was Kenny or any other celebrity I’d be pretty annoyed! I wouldn’t want the media or anyone else in my privacy either! Everyone deserves privacy & just because they’re a celebrity doesn’t mean that the media or anyone else has the right to invade their privacy!!

February 19th, 2009

Cindy says

Ok, so this is what the radio DJ Lia posted about Kenny’s playboy interview….. And she’s not too happy about it…..

Chesney would like to remind you: HE IS A LADIES’ MAN
In the March issue of Playboy Kenny Chesney makes it very clear…he is NOT GAY. He even states he’s slept with over 100 women. He actually claims he hit that number…back in 2001. He doesn’t even know how many women he’s slept with. So for the record…he’s not gay. Please know that by throwing out a random and embarrassing number of conquests assures the world CHESNEY IS NOT GAY OK? He’s just a jerk.
Yeah I’m mad. Why do that? Why not take the Hugh Jackman route and just say “Hey I’m not gay…” then laugh at the whole thing? Why brag about your conquests like a high school goober and tell the world how many woman who’d be glad to talk about what a HETRO guy you are? Kenny, dude…I love your music. You put on one hell of a show…but if I were a single woman I’d run from you so fast I’d be nothing but a blur. I’m going to guess out of the 100′s of women you’ve scored with about 90% of them were left in the wake of broken promises, humiliation and heartbreak. You are the stereotypical musician. You make the really nice musicians (the ones who go home to their wives/girlfriends each night without feeling like they have to score with a groopie) look bad. If this blog weren’t read by young women (many of whom think you’re wonderful which is sad now) I’d level a whole heap of crap on you here that would make you blush. Dude I love ya. But dang…as a woman I’m offended. As a fan I’m embarrassed…not for me but for YOU.
Maybe I’m being too self righteous about this. Maybe I’m overreacting. I mean if a guy can score that many women then perhaps he deserves a pat on the back. However…if a woman ever told how many men she’s been with…what would be said about her? My point is…those who brag about their sexual conquests look suspicious. This may make the gay rumors even worse. Just let it GO. Seems like nobody cares more than you anyway about preserving your hetro status. Make music, entertain us and do your thing in private. We don’t need to know that. You get a big fat TMI today…Too Much Information.

Not that Chesney would ever read my blog. He’s too busy getting busy. Right? I mean he is SO NOT GAY. It doesn’t matter what my opinion of Chesney is anyway. What matters is that YOU…YOU YOUNG WOMAN READING THIS BLOG…understand that even though his music is great, his concerts are second to none and he is understandably Entertainer of the Year and Country Music’s leading man…he can’t be trusted beyond that. He’ll never be a good husband, a good father. Hell he says as much (“I’d blow my brains out” is his response to living a domestic life). He’ll never share stories with his grandkids. Chances are good he’s got a kid or two (or twelve) out there he’ll never acknowledge publicly. Love him for his music. Don’t idolize him for being a stand up man. He’s a player. He is what he is. If you’re a guy looking for someone to idolize musically then Kenny is a good choice. If you’ll looking for cues on how to be a decent boyfriend and/or husband. Look somewhere else. George Strait? Jason Aldean? Josh Turner? Rodney Atkins?
I’m not naive. Musicians love the ladies. I get that. They got girls in every city. I know stories about some country stars that would make a hooker go “DANG.” Most, however, DON’T TALK ABOUT IT IN PLAYBOY.

Oh and Kenny…we got it. You’re not gay.

February 19th, 2009

Chucks Gay Boyfriend says

He’s gay.

February 19th, 2009

Betty says

You’ve got to be kidding me..Kenny needing publicity? How many EOTY titles now? How many ticket sells? Do you really think he needed this interview for Down the Road to become a hit? Give us all a break and get over it..Who cares about his private life..It’s the music!! And he rocks!

February 21st, 2009

Olivia says

What I will say is strange is all these AP feeds have diesected the interview.
Now we have like 10 different pieces
Kenny gay
Kenny and Renee
Kenny and the 100+ girls
Kenny does not want to pay high taxes so votes for McCain.
So many different points and NONE of them make Kenny look too good.

It seems like we now have a guy who is a male whore, is homophobic, is the one that left Renee and bailed on the marriage and does not seem to notice HIS fans are working class.He has come across as a jack a$$.
They took ALL these points and made Kenny look worse……jmo

February 24th, 2009

browneyedgirl618 says

people just have to have someone/something to harp on….
our man… kenny… seems to always be in the spot light for something he has ” done “…

like what was said … so he has some ” fun” while on the road…..not sayin its “Right”… but who am i to judge one… and what… just because he’s country… he shouldnt do things like that?…go read nikki sixx’s book… check his #’s…..

as for the throwin the playstation out the window… who hasnt been playin a game and felt like doing so?.. i for one… for EVERY game i’ve ever had… have felt like it…. ( he just acted on it and did it)

and as for the fraud/renee/gay thing….. the media and others always have to pick a singer ( seems to be male) who is doin good and put some sort of label on them….
kenny and renee were ‘over’ how long ago?… thats old news… let it rest

i read the interview…. and found nothing wrong with it….

March 12th, 2009

Your Name says

I pesonally do not care if Kenny is gay or not. I love his music anyway!!!!!!!!!!!!

March 15th, 2009

Elizabeth says

I agree with everything said. He’s 41 now, though. aha today’s his birthday! anywayyyyys, the whole kenny/renea/gay thing, come on people, get over it. It happened atleast 3 years ago.

March 26th, 2009

Anne D. kennysfan1968 says

This is jmo but I don’t think he was bragging at all. I think he is sick and tired of people bringing up the gay rumor and he wants to set the record straight once and for all. Also, the tone of the interview is conversational….just two buddies shooting the breeze….nothing more.

There have always been musicians who are shall we say “loose” in their sexual relations. Think Mick Jagger, Rod Stewart, Bon Jovi, the list goes on. I’m quite sure EVERY ONE of them had more than 100+ women and would have admitted to it if asked.

People are going to interpret things the way they want no matter what he says or does. We all know the media is going to pick over what is said and turn it to the negative. Leave the man alone!! If you like his music listen to it. If you don’t like it don’t listen. His sexuality and his sexual conquests are his business.

April 19th, 2009