Snoop Dogg is under fire following controversial remarks about LGBTQ+ representation in children’s media, prompting NBC to cancel his highly anticipated New Year’s Eve special. The fallout has cast uncertainty over the rapper’s broader relationship with the network, including his role on The Voice and upcoming Olympic coverage.
🎤 Controversial Comments Spark Outrage
The backlash stems from an August episode of the It’s Giving podcast, where Snoop Dogg recounted taking his grandson to see Pixar’s Lightyear, which features a same-sex couple. During the episode, he expressed discomfort with the film’s LGBTQ+ themes, saying, “I didn’t come here for this sht, I just came to watch the goddamn movie! I’m scared to go to the movies now, y’all throwing me in the middle of sht that I don’t have an answer for”.
His comments drew swift criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates and progressive audiences, with many accusing the rapper of promoting harmful stereotypes and failing to support inclusive storytelling.
📺 NBC Cancels NYE Special
NBC had announced Snoop Dogg’s New Year’s Eve, a two-hour live broadcast from Miami featuring music, performances, and surprise collaborations. But in early November, the network quietly pulled the plug. Snoop issued a statement saying, “Sometimes the calendar gets in the way of the celebration, which is why my NBC family and I decided this winter was time for us all to focus on the Olympics”.
While NBC cited scheduling conflicts and Olympic coverage as the reason, insiders suggest the cancellation was a direct response to the controversy. “The New Year’s axing was the warning shot,” one source told journalist Rob Shuter. “The Voice could be the execution”.
🏳️🌈 Attempted Reconciliation
In an effort to repair his image, Snoop partnered with GLAAD for Spirit Day in October and collaborated with queer musician Jeremy Beloate on a children’s song titled “Love Is Love.” The track, featured in his animated series Doggyland, promotes acceptance of diverse family structures. “At the end of the day, it’s all about love,” Snoop said. “Partnering with GLAAD just felt right, because spreading love and respect for everybody is what real gangstas do”.
Despite these efforts, NBC executives remain cautious. Advertiser concerns and brand reputation are reportedly driving internal discussions about Snoop’s future with the network.
🏔️ Olympic Role Still Intact—for Now
Snoop is still slated to appear as a correspondent for NBC’s coverage of the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, following his viral success during the 2024 Paris Games. Whether that role remains secure amid ongoing backlash remains to be seen.
As the controversy unfolds, Snoop Dogg’s legacy as a cultural icon is being tested against the evolving standards of inclusivity and accountability in entertainment.