Brendan Fevola reckons he’s got intel on the AFL’s plans to dump the controversial rapper.
Retired AFL star Brendan Fevola has stirred controversy by claiming that the AFL plans to remove rapper Snoop Dogg from the Grand Final pre-game show. Fevola suggests that the league will opt for an Australian act instead, as part of its ongoing efforts to combat homophobia.
The debate over Snoop Dogg’s participation has intensified since the announcement on August 11. The controversy was further fueled by the recent suspension of Adelaide forward Izak Rankine for using a homophobic slur during a game. Critics argue that Snoop Dogg’s lyrics, which some consider outdated and disrespectful, contradict the AFL’s stance on gender equality and same-sex relationships.
Fevola’s Revelations and Public Reaction
On a Monday morning broadcast of The Fox’s “Fifi, Fev & Nick,” Fevola shared his belief that the AFL intends to drop the 53-year-old rapper from the event. “On Snoop Dogg, I might have some goss about that. They’re going to axe him,” Fevola told listeners.
Co-host Fifi Box inquired if the decision was related to the ongoing controversy. Fevola affirmed, “Yep. Because of his lyrics in his song and he talked about (struggling to discuss) gay parents over the weekend. I think he will get the a***, and they are going to go for an Aussie artist to play at the MCG.”
Fevola’s comments have sparked widespread discussion, with many questioning whether the AFL will indeed make such a drastic change. Some fans support the potential move, while others argue that it could set a concerning precedent for artistic expression.
Snoop Dogg’s Controversial Past and Recent Remarks
In Snoop Dogg’s 1998 hit “Doggz Gonna Get Ya,” he uses a slur similar to the one that led to Rankine’s suspension. The verse reads,
“I can’t believe that Dogg would dis me, that f****t that punk he soft or sissy.”
Critics point to this as evidence of the rapper’s problematic history with LGBTQ+ issues.
More recently, Snoop Dogg faced backlash for comments made on the “It’s Giving Podcast,” where he expressed discomfort with same-sex marriage depictions in children’s films. Recalling a conversation with his grandson about the movie “Lightyear,” Snoop said,
“Papa Snoop, how’d she have a baby with a woman? I’m like oh s***, I didn’t come in for this s***, I just came to watch the goddamn movie.”
AFL’s Response and Future Implications
AFL CEO Andrew Dillon addressed the growing concerns during a press conference last Friday, assuring fans that the Grand Final entertainment would be suitable for all audiences.
“We cannot vouch for every lyric in every song ever written or performed by any artist who has or will appear on our stage, Australian or international,”
Dillon stated.
“But what I can say is our pre-match entertainment on grand final day will be family-friendly and consistent with the audience at the MCG and those watching the broadcast.”
Snoop Dogg is set to follow the 2024 performance of fellow American star Katy Perry, with whom he collaborated on the 2010 hit “California Gurls.” As the AFL navigates this controversy, the decision on whether to retain or replace Snoop Dogg will likely have lasting implications for the league’s approach to entertainment and inclusivity.
As the situation unfolds, fans and stakeholders alike await the AFL’s final decision, which could shape the future of its entertainment policies and its commitment to inclusivity.
