Snoop Dogg Just Reshaped ‘The Voice’ Forever in the Worst Way

Snoop Dogg got into some piping-hot water ahead of The Voice Season 28 after he criticized LGBTQ+ representation in movies after bringing his grandson to see Lightyear. His comments, which he’s now apologizing for, could have an irreparable impact on how he is perceived as a coach on The Voice who has featured LGBTQ+ singers.

The point of The Voice is for contestants to work closely with celebrity coaches to grow their careers. But mentorship only works if it’s free of prejudice. That’s where Snoop’s role in Season 28 becomes complicated. On the one hand, he publicly supported the LGBTQ+ community, even championing our singer, Jeremy Beloate, all the way to the finals. On the other hand, his personal beliefs raise the question: how can someone in good faith choose him as a coach if his support doesn’t extend to everyone equally?

Snoop Dogg’s ‘Lightyear’ Comments Went Viral

While speaking with host Sarah Fontenot on It’s Giving, Snoop revealed that he was now “scared to go to the movies” due to the increasing LGBTQ+ representation in children’s films. “They’re like, ‘She had a baby — with another woman.’ Well, my grandson, in the middle of the movie, is like, ‘Papa Snoop? How she have a baby with a woman? She’s a woman!'” he shared. “Oh sh–, I didn’t come in for this sh–. I just came to watch the goddamn movie.'” The rap mogul was roasted the minute the comments surfaced on social media.

Though the Blind Auditions have already been filmed, it’s unlikely that many artists will change their stance should they end up on Team Snoop. It could, once the next round is filmed, deter other artists from joining his team if given the option. When the teams are revealed, some contestants may choose to address the issue directly—or even offer Snoop a different perspective. Queer representation has only continued to grow in recent years, with diverse stories creating a haven for many viewers. Still, Snoop’s inclusion could spark criticism from parts of the LGBTQ+ community. While fellow coaches Niall Horan, Michael Bublé, and Reba McEntire haven’t weighed in, the controversy could have ripple effects across the season.

Snoop Dogg Helped a Gay Artist Get to the Finals

Without a doubt, Snoop was an excellent new presence on The Voice, advocating showmanship and performance ahead of musical technique. Having coached a gay artist to the finals, becoming the odd-couple pairing of the season, it begs whether other out artists could feel supported by someone who has made disparaging comments about their community in the past.

Before the finale, Beloate shared, “I think the show exists in a way to really try and make everybody visible and get to share who they are and embraces that. The coaches couldn’t be more amazing about that, too.” This now contradicts the Snoop who has been exposed. Beloate, who was vocal about being bullied for his sexuality, worked with someone whose beliefs might cause similar torment for other queer children. Visibility on The Voice has been few and far between as the first out winner was Asher HaVon of Season 25, one season before Snoop’s arrival.

Snoop Dogg Was Put On Blast Following His Comments

Lightyear screenwriter Lauren Gunderson defended the decision to include the lesbian characters in the film. On her Instagram, she wrote in part, “A key character needed a partner, and it was so natural to write ‘she’ instead of ‘he.’ As small as that detail is in the film, I knew the representational effect it could have. Small line, big deal. I was elated that they kept it. I’m proud of it. To infinity. Love is love.”

An apparent apology from Snoop’s verified account beneath the Hollywood Unlocked Instagram clip of TS Madison‘s TMZ Live rebuttal, has since been alleged to be fake, according to Deadline. Snoop was also called out on social media, questioning how he would explain his criminal past to his grandsons and his neglect of his recurring role on The L Word in 2004.

The Voice returns on Monday, September 22 at 8:00 p.m. on NBC. All episodes are available to stream on Peacock.