Tate Mcrae Backlash Grows After U.S. Olympic Hockey Win, Jack Hughes Link Fuels Boycott Calls
tate mcrae has emerged at the center of a national backlash after the U. S. men’s hockey team beat Canada for the gold medal at the Winter Olympics in Milan–Cortina on February 22, 2026. The singer-songwriter’s Canadian roots, a high-profile link to the U. S. game-winner and a promotional social post for an American broadcast have combined to spark calls for blocking and boycotts from some fans.
Tate Mcrae: Canadian roots and sudden backlash
The artist, born in Calgary, Alberta, is a Canadian singer-songwriter who now finds herself in an unexpected sports-related controversy. After the U. S. victory over Canada, many fans interpreted recent public activity as signaling support for Team USA rather than Team Canada, prompting online ire aimed directly at the performer.
How the Olympic final unfolded and the Hughes celebration
The U. S. men’s hockey team secured a 2-1 overtime victory over Canada in the Men’s Gold Medal match on day 16 of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic games. Jack Hughes, wearing #86, scored the game-winning goal. Teammate Quinn Hughes, wearing #43, celebrated alongside him after the win at the Milano Santagiulia Ice Hockey Arena in Milan, Italy.
Romance rumors with Jack Hughes and public perception
Part of the backlash stems from the singer’s reported romantic link to Jack Hughes, the player credited with the game-winning goal. The pair were seen cozied up together in New York City in November 2025, and neither camp has denied a relationship. That silence has led many fans to conclude there is an ongoing spark that could influence the singer’s apparent fandom toward Team USA.
Instagram promotional post for an American broadcast and fan reaction
On her Instagram account, tate mcrae posted a promotional video tied to the official broadcast coverage of the Olympics and Paralympics for American audiences. The promo drew jokes and sharp ire from some fans, particularly in Canada. Commenters on the post included user @natashbyy saying “girl you’re canadian pls what is this” and user @serenasned writing “Girl, we are Canadian, we do NOT cheer for team USA at winter sports, especially during times like these!!!” Other Canadian fans argued that no amount of money could make them cheer against Team Canada.
Calls to block and boycott, and the broader reaction
Beyond snark and disappointment, some users have escalated their response by sharing screenshots of themselves blocking the artist and urging others to do the same, while others framed their reaction as jest or emotional disappointment after a historic matchup. The intensity ranges from lighthearted teasing to organized calls for boycotts.
Site access note and closing perspective
Separately, one major news site running Olympic coverage included a notice that its platform was built to use the latest web technology for a faster experience and warned that some browsers are not supported, asking users to download modern browsers for best viewing. The tech message underscores the high-profile, cross-border attention the event and its peripheral controversies have attracted.
The writer of the original coverage is a career journalist with over 20 years of experience covering news for digital publications. The situation remains in flux; hopefully the tension will fizzle out soon and everyone can get back to enjoying good sports and good music from both sides of the USA–Canadian border.
