Let me start this off by confessing two things. One, although I do love the whole concept, I’m not a huge Olympics person. And two, I worship Tate McRae. She’s a supernova, a talent you can’t ignore, and above all, a Canadian icon.
Why am I telling you this? Because our Calgary-native Tate is getting some heat for an Olympics-related controversy. (Not a sentence I thought I’d ever write on the internet.) And I sadly don’t think I can defend it.
Basically, the 2026 Winter Olympics are coming up on Feb. 6. And on Feb. 3, Tate posted a very interesting ad on her Instagram, promoting the games for NBCUniversal. Even I, as someone who doesn’t normally tune into the Olympics, was SEATED to see her in this ad. But then I pressed play.
In the video, she’s skiing down a hill (looking stunning, TBH), and she exclaims that she’s “lost.” Then, the bomb drop. “I’m trying to get to Milan for an amazing opening ceremony,” Tate says, “And meet Team USA.”
“Then, back to the States for the big game,” she continues, as her absolutely iconic song “Nobody’s Girl” plays in the background. “Super Bowl 60!”
In case you need me to spell this out for you, Tate. Is. CANADIAN. And hopping over to Team USA is an especially daring move given how tense our relationship with the US has been as of late.
So, of course, Canadians on the internet are none too happy with Tate’s decision to be the face of this very American Olympics ad. And as a Tate fan myself, can I blame them? Absolutely not. I’m just as disappointed.
On the other hand, though, some people are defending Tate, and reminding people it’s just an ad:
So, what are your thoughts on Tate’s appearance in this ad? Do you think Canadians’ anger is justified? Or do you think we should all sit down and chill, because good ol’ Tate probably just wanted to make some coin? Tell me in the comments below!