Toby Keith has a bone to pick with ‘author’ Ethan Hawke

Country music is known for its passion, and Toby Keith seems to possess more than most; Toby is said to be incensed by an article in the current edition of Rolling Stone, in which the actor, Ethan Hawke recalls a passionate argument back in 2003, between Kris Kristofferson and a country music star whom the article doesn’t identify. Toby is certain it’s him. And he’s just about fit to tied.

Speaking to reporters backstage at rehearsals for the Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas, Keith made it clear the story was false, and that Hawke did not use a name because he wanted to avoid the fall-out when Keith read the story. “I don’t know Ethan Hawke.” Keith, 47, told the scribes. “He wanted to make his the greatest story ever in Rolling Stone. And it was a fictitious (expletive) lie.”

The disputed article says a heated discussion occurred at Willie Nelson’s 70th Birthday Tribute concert in New York. “He didn’t even call me by my name.” says Keith. “He called everybody else by name; Ray Charles, Willie, Kris Kristofferson. Why didn’t he call my name? You know why? He didn’t want to (expletive) deal with the aftermath!”

According to Hawke’s recollection, an argument started when the unnamed star told Kristofferson: “None of that lefty (expletive) out there tonight, Kris.” Kristofferson’s angry reply was to ask the nameless performer if he had ever served in the military, “Have you ever killed another man? Huh? Have you ever taken another man’s life and then cashed the check your country gave you for doing it? No, you have not, so shut the (expletive) up!”

Throughout the story, Mr. Hawke never uses any form of ID for the one who provoked Kristofferson’s rage, merely identifying them as a singer “who had a monster hit about bombing America’s enemies back into the stone age.” Toby’s 2002 hit “Courtesy of the Red, White & Blue” warns of retribution coming to those who were guilty of the 9/11 attacks.

Neither Ethan, 39, nor his aides have made any comment, and Rolling Stone are sticking by him and their story, without further remarks. Kristofferson, however, has issued a statement saying he did not recall the exchange, “I would like to state for the record that I am friends with Ethan Hawke and Toby Keith. Although I do not remember the event as reported in Rolling Stone. But what does it matter? That was six years ago.” the statement inquires.”I spoke to Ethan and thanked him for the beautiful story, and told him I did not recall the incident at the party. This is the last statement I will put out on this nonsense.”

Source