The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina came to an exciting close on February 22nd, with the U.S. men’s hockey team taking home the gold medal after a thrilling victory over Canada. While this was a moment of celebration for many Americans, it also sparked unexpected backlash towards Canadian singer-songwriter, Tate McRae.
Born in Calgary, Alberta, McRae has been making waves in the music industry with her powerful vocals and relatable lyrics. She has garnered a large fan base, especially in her home country of Canada. However, after the U.S. men’s hockey team’s win, McRae found herself at the center of a national controversy.
Fans took to social media to express their disappointment and anger towards McRae, calling for a boycott of her music. But why are her fellow Canadians turning against her? The reason lies in a seemingly innocent tweet that McRae posted after the game.
In the midst of all the excitement, McRae tweeted, “Congrats to Team USA on the gold medal! What an incredible game. #USA #Olympics.” While this may seem like a harmless congratulatory message, it sparked outrage among Canadian fans who felt betrayed by one of their own.
Many fans saw McRae’s tweet as a betrayal to her country, as she chose to congratulate the opposing team rather than support her own. Some even accused her of being a “traitor” and questioning her loyalty to Canada. This backlash has been so intense that McRae has been receiving hate messages and threats, causing her to disable the comments on her social media accounts.
But is this backlash towards McRae justified? It’s important to remember that McRae is first and foremost a musician, not an athlete. Her tweet was simply a genuine congratulatory message to the winning team, not a political statement or a sign of disloyalty to her country. As a Canadian, she has every right to support and be proud of her home country, but she also has the freedom to appreciate and acknowledge the achievements of other nations.
Furthermore, McRae’s tweet was not the only instance of a Canadian congratulating the U.S. team. Many other Canadian celebrities and athletes, including Justin Bieber and Drake, also took to social media to congratulate Team USA on their victory. However, they did not receive the same level of backlash as McRae did.
It’s important to remember that the Olympics are a time to celebrate unity and sportsmanship, not to spread hate and division. The U.S. men’s hockey team and Team Canada both played outstanding games, and it’s a shame that McRae’s tweet has overshadowed their achievements.
In response to the backlash, McRae released a statement explaining her intentions behind the tweet. She expressed her love and pride for Canada and apologized to anyone who felt offended by her post. She also reminded fans to spread love and positivity rather than hate.
It’s time for Canadian fans to put this controversy to rest and focus on supporting and celebrating their country’s talented athletes. As for McRae, she should be praised for her honesty and courage in the face of such intense backlash. She has shown that she is a true role model, promoting unity and sportsmanship despite the negativity surrounding her.
In conclusion, the backlash towards Tate McRae after the U.S. men’s hockey team’s win at the Winter Olympics is unwarranted and unjustifiable. As a talented musician, she has the right to support and appreciate the achievements of all nations. Let’s not let this controversy overshadow the spirit of the Olympics and instead use it as a reminder to spread love and positivity. Congratulations to Team USA on their gold medal, and let’s continue to support and celebrate all athletes, regardless of their nationality.