Kid Rock asks Irish journalist Caitríona Perry out live on air in bizarre exchange

Trump supporter Kid Rock, said: 'I love to go skiing, you sound sexy, you want to go with me?'

Kid Rock and Caitríona Perry. Picture: BBC News

Irish journalist Caitríona Perry showcased her professionalism after a bizarre exchange with US singer Kid Rock during the BBC’s coverage of Donald Trump’s inauguration on Monday.

Ms Perry, who was reporting live from Washington for the station, was speaking to the Trump supporter who was scheduled to perform as part of the inauguration celebrations. 

When asked by the US singer about what she was doing and "where you at?", Ms Perry replied: “I’m standing on a rooftop in these very very chilly conditions, I will be on air for 11 or 12 hours."

But Kid Rock, who was appearing on the programme via live video link, said he couldn’t see Ms Perry and did not know what she looked like.

To which she responded: “I look like I’m ready to hit the slopes. I’m in full-on ski gear here with my hat, gloves, the whole thing. Ready to rock, because you’ve got to be wrapped up against the elements don’t you.” 

Kid Rock replied: 

I love to go skiing, you sound sexy, you want to go with me? 

There was a brief pause before Ms Perry quickly and professionally wrapped up the interview. 

“Well, we won’t get into that right here," she said. "We’re doing no skiing today, we’ve got a day of broadcasting to do". 

She then thanked the singer for appearing on the show, to which he replied, “God bless.” 

Kid Rock flirting on BBC News is some of the most awkward television you'll see this year. pic.twitter.com/IuYQbS083d

— Scott Bryan (@scottygb) January 20, 2025

This isn’t the first time Ms Perry has had to deal with inappropriate comments while at work. 

In 2017, during Mr Trump's first presidency, he singled out the journalist while on a phone call to then-Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, saying Ms Perry had “a nice smile”.

Ms Perry joined the BBC in 2023 when she was named the station's chief presenter in Washington. Before that, she worked with RTÉ for 16 years as a presenter of the Six One News and before that as the broadcaster's Washington correspondent.