US Women's Hockey Stars Snub Trump for Flavor Flav's Las Vegas Celebration
In a striking turn of events, the United States women's hockey team has reportedly accepted an invitation from rapper Flavor Flav for a celebratory party in Las Vegas, following their decision to decline a White House invitation from President Donald Trump. This move comes after a leaked phone call revealed Trump's seemingly mocking tone toward the team.
Controversial Phone Call Sparks Backlash
During a locker room celebration with the US men's hockey team, who had just won their first gold medal in 46 years by defeating Canada, President Trump called to congratulate them. In the conversation, which was captured on video, Trump told the men's team, 'I must tell you, we are going to have to bring the women's team, you do know that. I do believe I would probably be impeached (if he didn't invite them).' His comment elicited laughter from the players, who promptly accepted their invitation to the White House and Trump's upcoming State of the Union address.
An official invitation was subsequently extended to the women's team, but they declined. A spokesperson for USA Hockey explained, 'We are sincerely grateful for the invitation extended to our gold medal–winning U.S. Women's Hockey Team and deeply appreciate the recognition of their extraordinary achievement. They were honored to be included and are grateful for the acknowledgment.' The team cited 'the timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments' as reasons for their inability to attend.
Flavor Flav Steps In with a Grand Gesture
In response to the controversy, Flavor Flav, whose real name is Williams Jonathan Drayton Jr., took to social media to offer an alternative celebration. He posted, 'If the USA Women's Hockey team wants a real celebration and invite... I'll host them in Las Vegas. Do some nice dinners and shows and good times. I'm sure I can get a hotel and airline to help me out here and celebrate these women for real for real.'
He later confirmed on Instagram that the team had accepted his invitation. This follows the women's dramatic overtime victory over Canada, securing their third gold medal in the Winter Olympics. Flavor Flav has revealed plans to host the party at the end of the Professional Women's Hockey League (PWHL) season, which resumes after a month-long Olympic break and runs until April 25.
Details of the Las Vegas Invitation
Flavor Flav shared a screenshot of his official invite, which read in part, 'I am reaching out on behalf of Flavor Flav. First, massive congratulations on the gold!! We saw the story about the men's invite to the White House, and the not quite invite for the women's team. Flav recently posted on social media an idea and invite for the women's hockey team to Las Vegas for a real celebration. He always stands behind everything he says and does. If there is an interest for the team to come to Las Vegas and celebrate with Flav – we will figure it out on our end and make it a lovely experience.'
This is not the first time Flavor Flav has shown support for women's sports. He previously expressed admiration for the US women's rugby team during the 2024 Paris Olympics and assisted discus thrower Veronica Fraley by helping pay off her rent when she faced financial difficulties.
The men's hockey team's gold medal victory marked a historic moment, ending a 46-year drought since their last win in 1980. Meanwhile, the women's team continues to build on their legacy with another Olympic triumph, now set to be celebrated in style away from the political spotlight.
