NBC is finding itself in hot water, facing criticism over perceived lack of patriotism as it prepares to air the Winter Olympics from Milan, Italy, next year.
The controversy erupted after the network aired one of its inaugural commercials for the upcoming games, scheduled to kick off on February 6, during the broadcast of the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. The ad’s debut has sparked a backlash among viewers.
The heart of the matter lies in NBC’s choice to spotlight British pop sensation Dua Lipa in the promotional material, which has led to accusations of sidelining well-known American figures. This decision has left some spectators feeling that the network has turned its back on homegrown talent.
The advertisement, which NBC claims is meant to celebrate ‘some of Team USA’s most inspirational women,’ features Lipa sauntering through Milan’s renowned Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II. Her presence, coupled with her display of Italian language proficiency, drew mixed reactions, with some fans endearingly dubbing her ‘Dua Lingo.’
However, the choice to feature Lipa, who possesses British, Albanian, and Kosovan citizenship, has stirred controversy. Her inclusion is particularly contentious given that Great Britain is set to compete against Team USA in the winter sports arena, raising questions about the network’s promotional strategy.
But the inclusion of the singer, who was born in London to Kosovan-Albanian parents and has citizenship for Britain, Albania and Kosovo, raised eyebrows given Great Britain will be one of Team USA’s rivals in the winter sporting spectacular.
Wicked actress Cynthia Erivo, another British star, has also appeared in an Olympics commercial for the American network.
Some fans have even questioned why the network overlooked the United States’ homegrown talent with the nation producing some of the biggest names in Hollywood, including the likes of Sydney Sweeney.
NBC has come under-fire for being ‘unpatriotic’ for featuring Dua Lipa in an Olympics spot
The London-born singer starred in a commercial for the winter games earlier this week
The Daily Mail has reached out to NBC and representatives for Lipa for comment.
One sports fan claimed that there was ‘nothing patriotic’ about Lipa’s cameo, nor was the commercial ‘inspiring.’
He took issue with the fact that the ‘Physical’ hitmaker could not represent the United States on the global stage in any capacity and could not even run for President.
‘It feels like NBC decided to hand off American identity to someone who cannot legally run for president here, cannot represent the country in any capacity, and has already represented the United Kingdom at major global events,’ Drew Smith wrote on The Liberty Line.
‘NBC had a responsibility to hype the American athletes who will actually compete. They could have used real Olympians. They could have used American actors, American musicians, American veterans, or literally any American citizen with a pulse. Instead they outsourced Team USA’s identity to a British pop star because she looks good on camera.’
He added: ‘If this is how NBC plans to promote Team USA, they might as well let Great Britain call our races next. This is a disgrace to the tradition, to the Games, and to every American athlete preparing to compete in Milan.’
Others agreed with one posting on X: ‘Little bit bizarre getting a Brit to advertise the Winter Olympics for America tbf.’
‘@NBC @potus @FoxNews @Olympics This is the USA! How dare you! #BoycottNBC,’ another added.
The spot sparked backlash with NBC overlooking American talent such as Sydney Sweeney
Hollywood stars Glen Powell (pictured) and Scarlett Johansson have starred in other ads
There has been no suggestion that actress Sweeney was in the running for the promotional gig, yet questions have been raised why NBC turned to a British celebrity over America’s own stars.
The network has employed other American stars to promote their coverage in commercials other than the songstress’s spot.
Hollywood stars Scarlett Johansson and Glen Powell as well as rapper Snoop Dogg have featured in other ads rolled out ahead of Lipa’s debut.
Yet, fan’s backlash appears to be centered solely on the decision to use a London-born star to hype up American viewers and athletes.
During Lipa’s ad, the pop sensation shows off her flawless Italian and reels off the names of a number of American women hoping to pick up medals in Milan.
In the promo, which aired during the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade, Lipa appears to be in Milan’s Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II wearing a shimmering silver dress and black fur coat.
With her song ‘Training Season’ playing in the background, she says: ‘Ciao ragazzi. Ci vediamo dopo, ok? Baci!’, which translates to: ‘Hi guys. See you later, ok? Kisses!’
The British pop star is currently in South America as part of her Radical Optimism tour
Lipa’s global tour is set to end on December 5 with the last performance being in Mexico
Lipa then continues in English: ‘Milan, such a cool place. And when the Winter Olympics arrive it’ll get even cooler when these incredible women take the world stage.’
She then gives a shoutout to Lindsey Vonn, Alysa Liu, Mikaela Shiffrin and Chloe Kim.
‘They’ll put on quite a show,’ she continues. ‘The Winter Olympics? It’s going to be so cool’ before finishing with ‘Ci vediamo lì’, which translates to ‘See you there!’
The singer, who is engaged to British actor Callum Turner, is currently in South America as part of her Radical Optimism tour.
