Canadian pop star Tate McRae has addressed criticism after appearing in a promotional advertisement for the 2026 Winter Olympics featuring Team USA. The 22-year-old singer faced backlash from fans who questioned her support for the American team instead of her home country.
In response, McRae took to Instagram Story on Wednesday to share a throwback photo of herself as a child holding a small Canadian flag, captioning it: “...y’all know I’m Canada down.” The post aimed to reassure followers of her allegiance amid the controversy.
The advertisement, released by NBC and Peacock, shows McRae skiing up to a directional sign and saying she is “a bit lost.” She then introduces herself and expresses her intention to meet Team USA, attend the opening ceremony, and watch the Super Bowl. The clip prominently features the American flag, sparking mixed reactions online.
Critics voiced their disappointment, with some referencing the tense political climate between Canada and the United States following Donald Trump’s comments about Canada becoming the “51st state.” One comment read: “No amount of money could make me endorse the country that threatens mine.”
The 2026 Winter Olympics are set to take place in Milan and Cortina, Italy, with the opening ceremony scheduled for Saturday. The event will feature performances by Mariah Carey, Andrea Bocelli, and others, with Snoop Dogg serving as Team USA’s honorary coach.
