Photo Credit: Daniel Anthony
The Australian Football League (AFL) is facing scrutiny over its decision to pay U.S. rapper Snoop Dogg A$3 million ($2M USD) to perform at this year’s Grand Final after the rapper’s controversial, homophobic remarks.
The move has sparked backlash both from critics and politicians, questioning why the league chose an international act with a history of homophobic and misogynistic remarks instead of highlighting local Australian talent. The controversy was ignited by Greens senator Sarah Hanson-Young, who publicly criticized the AFL for what she called a ‘misguided choice.’
“We should be backing homegrown Aussie talent, especially on one of our biggest stages,” Hanson-Young said. The politician also raised concerns over Snoop Dogg’s decades-long history of homophobic lyrics and statements, which run counter to the AFL’s own campaigns around diversity and inclusion. “The AFL often promotes itself as a champion of equality and inclusion, but these words ring hollow if they are willing to pay millions of dollars to an artist who has a track record of homophobia.”
In a statement, the AFL defended its decision saying that international artists bring global attention to the Grand Final. The reported $2M fee for Snoop Dogg is being seen not just as a financial issue, but as a cultural one—especially given the AFL’s repeated emphasis on supporting inclusivity through initiatives such as ‘Pride Round.’
What as already a contentious choice has escalated following Snoop Dogg’s recent public comments about watching the Disney film ‘Lightyear’ with his grandson. The rapper made disparaging remarks about the same-sex kiss featured in the movie, commenting that it shouldn’t be in a film aimed at kids and that his grandson asked questions that he “didn’t know how to answer.”
The 2025 AFL Grand Final will take place on Saturday, September 27, 2025 at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. Whether Snoop Dogg will perform as scheduled remains to be seen.