American broadcaster NBC finds itself at the centre of a firestorm, accused of being 'unpatriotic' in its promotional campaign for the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy. The controversy ignited after the network debuted a commercial during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, which featured British pop sensation Dua Lipa instead of famous American faces.
The Source of the Controversy
According to a report by the Daily Mail, NBC opted to snub homegrown American talent, choosing instead to have the London-born singer lead its promotion for the games, which commence on February 6 next year. The commercial in question, which NBC stated was intended to highlight 'some of Team USA’s most inspirational women,' shows Lipa strolling through Milan’s iconic Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II.
The ad opens with Lipa showcasing her Italian language skills, leading fans to affectionately dub her 'Dua Lingo'. However, the decision to feature the singer, who holds citizenship in Britain, Albania, and Kosovo, has raised significant eyebrows. Given that Great Britain will be a direct rival to Team USA at the games, many have questioned the network's judgement.
Public and Critical Backlash
The backlash was swift and severe across social media and commentary platforms. One sports fan, Drew Smith, wrote on The Liberty Line, arguing there was 'nothing patriotic' about the cameo. He pointed out that Lipa cannot represent the United States on the global stage and is ineligible to run for President.
Smith criticised NBC for outsourcing Team USA's identity, suggesting they could have used real American Olympians, actors, musicians, or 'literally any American citizen with a pulse.' He concluded his critique by calling the move a 'disgrace to the tradition, to the Games, and to every American athlete.'
This sentiment was echoed widely online. One user on X posted, 'Little bit bizarre getting a Brit to advertise the Winter Olympics for America tbf.' Another added a more forceful reaction: '@NBC @potus @FoxNews @Olympics This is the USA! How dare you! #BoycottNBC.' Questions were also raised about why American stars, such as actress Sydney Sweeney, were overlooked.
NBC's Broader Promotional Strategy
It is worth noting that NBC has employed other American celebrities in its broader promotional campaign for the Olympics coverage. Hollywood stars Scarlett Johansson and Glen Powell, as well as rapper Snoop Dogg, have all featured in different advertisements that were rolled out prior to Lipa's spot.
Despite this, the public's ire appears concentrated solely on the decision to use a British star to generate hype for the American team and its viewers. In her ad, against the backdrop of her song 'Training Season', Lipa names American athletes like Lindsey Vonn, Alysa Liu, Mikaela Shiffrin, and Chloe Kim, telling the audience 'The Winter Olympics? It's going to be so cool.'
The singer, who is currently on her Radical Optimism tour in South America, is engaged to British actor Callum Turner. The Daily Mail has contacted both NBC and representatives for Dua Lipa for comment on the growing controversy.
