Tate McRae responds after backlash over team USA Olympics ad despite being Canadian

The star is being accused of forgetting her Canadian roots

Tate McRae is pushing back against online criticism after her appearance in a Team USA–focused Olympics commercial sparked backlash from fans in her home country of Canada.

The Canadian pop star recently featured in an NBC promotional ad ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan–Cortina, where she is seen skiing through snowy terrain while hyping Team USA athletes. The ad quickly drew attention online, with some Canadian fans questioning why the Calgary-born singer appeared to be promoting the U.S. team rather than Canada.

In the commercial, McRae enthusiastically says she’s excited to “meet Team USA” and watch American athletes compete for gold, a moment that prompted criticism on social media, where some users accused her of abandoning her roots.

McRae didn’t stay silent for long. Addressing the backlash on Instagram, she shared a childhood photo of herself holding a Canadian flag and added a playful caption that read, “… y’all know I’m Canada down.” The post was widely interpreted as a lighthearted reminder that her national pride hasn’t changed.

Born and raised in Calgary, Alberta, McRae has often spoken about her Canadian upbringing, even as her career has largely been based in the United States in recent years. While some fans expressed disappointment, others defended the singer, pointing out that international artists frequently appear in global or U.S.-led campaigns without it reflecting their personal loyalties.

The situation highlights the tightrope global pop stars often walk between commercial opportunities and fan expectations — especially when national identity is involved. For McRae, her response made one thing clear: despite the controversy, she still proudly claims her Canadian roots.