Canadian Pop Star Tate McRae Faces Backlash After Supporting Team USA in Olympics Ad
NEW YORK, NY — Canadian singer and songwriter Tate McRae found herself at the center of a social media firestorm after appearing in a promotional advertisement supporting Team USA for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina. The Calgary-born artist, known for her emotional pop hits and international acclaim, sparked controversy when she expressed excitement about meeting American athletes, including Olympic gold medalist Lindsey Vonn, in an NBC commercial.
In the ad, which McRae shared with her nine million Instagram followers, she said, “I’m trying to get to Milan for an amazing opening ceremony and meet Team USA. Gonna spend the week with some of America’s best skating for gold and Lindsey Vonn’s epic comeback. And back to the states for the big game, Super Bowl LX.” The commercial was part of NBC’s broader campaign to promote both the Winter Olympics and the upcoming Super Bowl, two major sporting events drawing global audiences this year.
However, many Canadian fans took issue with McRae’s apparent support of the American team, accusing her of disloyalty on social media platforms. Some commenters labeled her a “traitor,” reflecting the intense sporting rivalry between Canada and the United States, especially in winter sports and hockey.
In response to the backlash, McRae posted a heartfelt throwback photo of herself as a child holding a Canadian flag, reaffirming her pride in her Canadian heritage. This gesture was widely covered by media outlets, including Fox News, which highlighted the singer’s attempt to balance her professional engagements with her national identity.
The controversy underscores the complex nature of celebrity endorsements during international sporting events, where national pride often runs high. McRae’s involvement with NBC, the official broadcaster of the Olympics in the United States, placed her in a unique position bridging both countries’ audiences.
The 2026 Winter Olympics, hosted jointly by Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo in Italy, are set to showcase top athletes from around the world. Lindsey Vonn, a decorated American alpine ski racer making a highly publicized comeback, remains a central figure in the Olympic narrative. McRae’s mention of Vonn in the ad was part of NBC’s strategy to generate excitement for the games.
Sports fans and cultural commentators alike have noted that celebrity participation in such campaigns can sometimes blur lines of national allegiance. The United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee and Canadian Olympic Committee both promote their athletes vigorously, but cross-border collaborations are not uncommon in the entertainment industry.
McRae’s experience highlights how social media can amplify fan reactions and complicate public figures’ messaging. The singer’s decision to publicly embrace her Canadian roots following the criticism may help mitigate tensions, but it also reflects the passionate engagement sports fans have with their national teams.
As the world turns its attention to Milan Cortina this winter, the intersection of sports, celebrity, and national identity will continue to be a dynamic and sometimes contentious arena. For now, Tate McRae remains a prominent figure navigating these waters, balancing her international career with the pride of her Canadian upbringing.
For more information on the 2026 Winter Olympics and related events, visit the official International Olympic Committee site and NBC’s Olympics coverage page.
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