The AFL has stood by its decision to book Snoop Dogg as the Grand Final entertainment act — just hours before the rapper appeared on a podcast complaining about same-sex relationships in children’s films.
CEO Andrew Dillon defended the choice earlier this week, arguing the 53-year-old rapper should be judged on “the person he is today” despite his history of anti-gay lyrics and commentary.
“We can’t vouch for every lyric in every song ever written or performed by any artist who has or will appear on our stage,” Dillon said. “Today, he is a grandfather, philanthropist… and a global entertainer who has performed at both the Super Bowl and the Olympic closing ceremony.”
But less than 24 hours later, Snoop Dogg appeared on the It’s Giving podcast, where he recalled watching Pixar’s Lightyear with his grandson. The film, a Toy Story spin-off, features a same-sex couple.
“Aw st, I didn’t come for this, I came here to watch the goddamn movie. Y’all throwing me in the middle of this st I don’t have an answer for,” he complained.
Snoop added he was “scared to go to the movies now” because of queer representation and questioned: “Do we have to show that to children at that age?”
Homophobia spotlight intensifies
The AFL’s tolerance of Snoop Dogg’s comments comes during a week when the league was already under fire over homophobia. Adelaide forward Izak Rankine was suspended after using a homophobic slur in a clash with Collingwood.
Initially facing a five-match ban, his suspension was reduced to four games after the club made a “compelling medical submission.”
Rainbow Crows, an inclusive supporter group, said they were “deeply concerned and disappointed” by both Rankine’s behaviour and the AFL’s handling of it.
“When a player directs a homophobic slur, it’s less likely to offend the player it is aimed at, but the LGBTQIA+ community,” the group said in a statement.
“Research indicates a wider, ingrained problem of the term being used to demean or intimidate others. This sends a clear message that queer people are seen as ‘lesser’.”
The group warned that high-profile athletes normalising slurs gives others permission to mimic them.
They added that while the AFL provides players with online inclusivity training, some clubs — including Adelaide — have yet to participate in broader Pride in Sport education programs.
“We believe this should be mandatory for all AFL clubs,” they said.
Questions of credibility
The AFL has long promoted itself as an inclusive competition, hosting annual Pride rounds and publicly condemning homophobia. But with Snoop Dogg’s latest remarks and Rankine’s reduced penalty, critics say the league risks undermining its own commitments to LGBTQ+ inclusion.
