Key Points
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Tate McRae faced backlash in Canada after appearing in an NBC Olympics ad promoting Team USA.
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Critics questioned her loyalty, with some labeling the move “treason.”
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McRae responded by reaffirming her Canadian identity on social media.
has addressed growing criticism from Canadian fans after appearing in a promotional advertisement for NBC’s Winter Olympics coverage that highlighted Team USA athletes.
The Calgary-born singer faced sharp reactions online after the ad aired, with commenters questioning why a Canadian artist was promoting American competitors during the Winter Games. Some social media users described the appearance as disloyal, while others openly mocked the move, arguing that Canadians traditionally support their own athletes in winter sports.
The backlash escalated when Canadian media personalities and outlets joined the discussion, with one Quebec radio station referring to McRae as “Traitre McRae,” a French term meaning traitor. Toronto Life magazine also labeled the appearance as an act of treason.
McRae responded subtly but firmly on Instagram, sharing a childhood photo of herself holding a Canadian flag. She captioned the image with a message emphasizing her national pride, writing that she remains deeply Canadian.
Born in Calgary, Alberta, McRae has long identified with her home country and notably shares her birthday with Canada Day on July 1. While she moved to Los Angeles as a teenager to pursue her music career, she has continued to reference her Canadian upbringing in interviews and public appearances.
The ad in question was part of NBC’s broader Olympic marketing campaign, which has previously featured international celebrities alongside American athletes. Still, the reaction highlights the sensitivity around national representation, particularly during global sporting events.
Despite the controversy, McRae has not issued a formal statement beyond her social media post, choosing instead to let her personal history speak for itself..
