MGK Claims He Turned Down ‘Sinners’ Audition Over Role’s Use of N-Word in Script: ‘I Wouldn’t Do It’

MGK has flexed his acting chops on the silver screen in a plethora of roles, but he turned down a chance to star in the Ryan Coogler-directed blockbuster Sinners over the audition’s requirement of using the “n-word.”

Kels stopped by The Pat McAfee Show on Thursday (July 31), where he opened up about skipping out on a potential audition for a vampire role over the inclusion of a racial slur in his script.

“Like Sinners, I was supposed to be in that,” MGK explained. “The vampire, they had me set up to do the audition — it’s the one that’s in the house, so he’s the second vampire, the one that the guy comes and eats the family. In the audition, he has to say the ‘n-word’ and I wouldn’t do it.”

Former NFL player and The McAfee Show co-host, Darius Butler, appreciated the Cleveland native’s gesture to turn down the role, proceeding to give him a fist-bump.

It seems Kelly was describing the role of Bert, the racist KKK member turned by Remmick (Jack O’Connell) in the first act of the film. The role ultimately went to actor Peter Dreimanis, while Ryan Coogler brought out a loaded cast for Sinners, including stars Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld and Miles Caton.

The horror thriller’s release has been a major blockbuster success, as Sinners has grossed over $45,000,000 domestically and more than $60,000,000 at the global box office since its April arrival.

Elsewhere in the interview, MGK had a message for Hollywood directors looking to cast him. “Hey dude, I’d like to be in cinema while I still look young,” he said. MGK is gearing up for a busy August, which will include the release of his Lost Americana album on Aug. 8.

Watch the interview below. Talk about Sinners takes place after the 10-minute mark.