Tate Mcrae Faces Boycott Calls After U.S. Hockey Gold, Fans Cite Romance and NBC Promo
Canadian singer-songwriter Tate Mcrae has become the focus of anger among some fans following the United States men’s hockey team’s 2-1 overtime victory over Canada for the Olympic gold medal on February 22, 2026 in Milan. The backlash centers on a promotional Instagram post tied to NBC and Mcrae’s public links to the American player who scored the game-winner, Jack Hughes.
Tate Mcrae Instagram post sparks backlash
On her Instagram account, Tate Mcrae posted a promotional video for NBC’s official broadcast coverage of the Olympics and Paralympics in Milan-Cortina aimed at American audiences. The clip drew jokes and sharp criticism from viewers, particularly fans in Canada, and has been singled out as a key trigger for the online reaction now unfolding.
Jack Hughes’ overtime winner and the Milan final
The immediate context for the flare-up was the final match at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games, where Team United States defeated Team Canada 2-1 in overtime on day 16 of the tournament. Jack Hughes scored the decisive goal in that Men’s Gold Medal match at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena on February 22, 2026, a moment in which he and teammate Quinn Hughes #43 celebrated with Jack wearing #86.
New York City sighting in November 2025 and relationship uncertainty
Part of the fan reaction rests on an alleged romantic connection between Mcrae and Jack Hughes. The pair were seen together in New York City in November 2025 and have not publicly denied being in a relationship; that silence has led many fans to conclude a continuing spark. Those observers say the personal link could influence perceptions of Mcrae’s loyalties during a high-stakes rivalry between Canada and the United States.
Fans block and call for boycott
Some Canadian fans have moved beyond online complaint to active measures: screenshots circulated showing users blocking the artist and urging other Canadians to do the same. Calls for a boycott have been visible in comment threads and social posts, with many expressing disappointment or disbelief that a Canadian-born performer would appear to back the opposition in a major winter-sports final.
Fan comments reflect national frustration
Comments under Mcrae’s promotional video captured the tenor of the reaction. One user, @natashbyy, wrote, “girl you’re canadian pls what is this, ” while another, @serenasned, posted, “Girl, we are Canadian, we do NOT cheer for team USA at winter sports, especially during times like these!!!” Other Canadian fans declared that no amount of money could make them cheer against Team Canada.
Because the NBC promotion and the player’s game-winning goal converge on the same headline moment—the U. S. victory on February 22, 2026—fans have read the two facts together, turning familiar celebrity activity into a flashpoint for national sentiment. What makes this notable is how quickly personal associations and a single promotional clip have translated into coordinated online actions such as blocking and boycott calls.
Some voices urged calm. A number of commentators expressed hope that the tension will dissipate and that people can return to enjoying both sports and music on either side of the USA–Canada border. Whether the backlash will have a measurable effect on Mcrae’s career or promotional partnerships is unclear in the provided context.
