Tate McRae Addresses U.S. Olympics Ad Criticism: ‘I’m Proudly Canadian’
Calgary’s Tate McRae is facing backlash following her appearance in an NBC advertisement promoting the 2026 U.S. Winter Olympics. The 22-year-old musician sparked criticism for seemingly endorsing the United States over Canada, prompting her to clarify her stance on social media.
Tate McRae’s Olympics Advertisement Controversy
In the NBC ad, McRae is featured on a mountaintop, clad in a vibrant red ski outfit. She interacts with an owl while discussing the upcoming Olympics. “I’m trying to get to Milan for an amazing opening ceremony and meet Team USA,” she states in the commercial. The ad also promotes winter sports events and mentions the Super Bowl.
Public Reaction on Social Media
The advertisement triggered a wave of criticism online. Many fans expressed their disappointment, believing McRae was disloyal to Canada. Canadian actor Jack Innanen voiced his disapproval on Instagram, labeling the situation as “traitor s–t.”
Canadian pop culture commentator Liz Duff highlighted that rising tensions in U.S.-Canada relations influenced the public’s reaction. She noted the historical context, such as U.S. political threats and trade disputes, which amplified feelings of Canadian pride during this period.
McRae’s Canadian Identity
McRae, who is known for her ties to Canadian culture, has built her career around themes relevant to her home country. Her debut album, *Think Later*, prominently featured hockey motifs, and her single, “Exes,” was inspired by the Calgary Stampede. Although currently based in Los Angeles, she is frequently seen supporting the Calgary Flames. This background sets expectations for her loyalty to Canada.
- Background: Tate McRae is from Calgary, Alberta.
- Age: 22 years old.
- Career: She is a prominent Canadian musician known for integrating Canadian culture into her work.
Generational Aspects of the Debate
The age of both McRae and her critics, like Innanen, points to a generational shift. Notably, similar controversies have arisen for other Canadian artists, such as Josh Ross and Wayne Gretzky, who faced scrutiny for their American affiliations. Duff notes that this reflects a broader conversation about Canadian identity and pop culture among younger generations.
Despite the criticisms, McRae remains committed to her Canadian roots. She took to Instagram to emphasize her pride in being Canadian by sharing a photo from her childhood holding a Canadian flag. Her label has not yet provided a comment on the situation.
