Canadian musician Tate McRae faced backlash this week for her appearance in a promotional ad for the 2026 U.S. Winter Olympics team. The 22-year-old, originally from Alberta, responded on Instagram, asserting her loyalty to Canada. In the ad, McRae is seen on a mountain in a ski outfit, mentioning her excitement to attend the Olympics and meet Team USA athletes.
Criticism arose on social media and other platforms, with some accusing McRae of betraying her country by supporting the United States. The strained relationship between Canada and the U.S., highlighted by political tensions and trade disputes, intensified the negative reaction to McRae’s involvement in the ad.
Known for her ties to Canadian culture, especially her connections to Calgary, where she grew up, McRae’s endorsement of Team USA came as a surprise to many fans. The incident sparked discussions about loyalty and national identity, particularly among Gen Z individuals like McRae and actor Jack Innanen.
Similar controversies involving Canadian celebrities like singer Josh Ross and hockey legend Wayne Gretzky have previously sparked debates about national loyalty. The criticism faced by McRae and the public responses from figures like Innanen shed light on shifting trends in pop culture allegiance among younger audiences.
Despite the uproar, McRae’s management has not issued any comments on the matter.