Tate McRae Faces Backlash for Supporting Team USA

Pop singer Tate McRae, who hails from Calgary, Alberta, has found herself in hot water after appearing in an ad that promotes Team USA ahead of the Milan-Cortina Olympics. The commercial aired during the Super Bowl LX, and McRae’s enthusiasm for American athletes sparked outrage among some Canadian fans.

In the advertisement shared with her 9 million Instagram followers, McRae expressed her excitement about meeting American athletes, including Olympic champion Lindsey Vonn. “I’m going to Milan for a great opening ceremony and I’m about to meet Team USA,” she said. It was clear she was diving headfirst into the rivalry, stating she’d spend a week gearing up for the upcoming games before heading back to America for the Super Bowl.

Her support didn’t go unnoticed. Many Canadians reacted negatively, with some labeling McRae a “traitor.” This was particularly contentious given the already heightened political tensions between the two nations. In an effort to defend herself, McRae later posted a childhood photo holding a Canadian flag, indicating, “…y’all know I’m losing to Canada.” Still, this gesture didn’t completely quell the backlash.

Not everyone was convinced by her response. Comments on social media suggested skepticism about her loyalty, with one user noting, “Her word ‘everyone’ says something different.” Another critic chimed in that supporting Team USA should extend beyond financial gain, especially during such tense moments. A third even suggested it felt like “damage control.”

The uproar surrounding McRae’s support for Team USA coincided with tensions in the sports world. This was highlighted recently when American fans expressed displeasure over five-time Olympian Katie Uhlaender’s absence from the upcoming events in Milan-Cortina. Her omission followed controversies surrounding the Canadian team’s actions during Olympic trials, which many believe affected Uhlaender’s standing.