A recent NBC Olympics commercial featuring Tate McRae, a Canadian pop star, sparked immediate criticism following its release by both the singer and NBC on Wednesday. The ad depicts McRae on a snowy mountain, seeking assistance from an owl to reach Milan for the opening ceremony and meet Team USA instead of Team Canada. She highlights America’s top skating talent, including Lindsey Vonn, and teases the upcoming Super Bowl 60. The advertisement also promotes McRae’s latest single, “Nobody’s Girl.”
Social media erupted with disappointment from Canadians, expressing dismay over McRae, who hails from Calgary, endorsing the American team shortly after being named a top nominee at the Juno Awards alongside Justin Bieber. Toronto-based sports content creator Jordan Cicchelli voiced mixed feelings, while Made in Canada questioned McRae’s allegiance to Team USA.
In response to the backlash, McRae shared a childhood photo holding a Canadian flag on her Instagram story, affirming her Canadian identity. A discussion on Virgin Radio Toronto’s TikTok account delved into why McRae was supporting American athletes instead of Canadian ones, with hosts questioning her national pride and potential “sellout” status.
Despite the criticism, some fans view McRae’s involvement in the ad as a positive step in her career. Amidst the controversy, CBC Music has sought comment from McRae’s team. This incident mirrors a previous backlash involving British pop star Dua Lipa in a separate NBC Olympics ad promoting American athletes.
