Snoop Dogg, the legendary West Coast rapper known for his smooth flow and iconic style, is caught in a whirlwind of controversy down under. As he prepares to headline the 2025 AFL Grand Final in Melbourne, the decision has been met with fierce opposition from Australian Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young.

The AFL, a cultural cornerstone in Australia, often strives to balance entertainment with sociocultural values. This year’s choice to spotlight Snoop, a global hip-hop icon, has ignited a debate on these priorities. Hanson-Young’s plea is rooted deeply in what she perceives as conflicting values, specifically pointing to past controversies surrounding the rapper’s lyrics and recent remarks on LGBTQ+ issues.

During a speech in Parliament, Hanson-Young labeled Snoop Dogg a “slur merchant” and called upon the AFL to redirect the $2 million earmarked for his performance towards supporting homegrown Australian talent. As she put it, “The AFL is a cultural institution, and should support our artists, musicians, and the wider Australian music industry at home.”

The heart of the conflict, however, stems not only from financial grievances but also from symbolism and message. The senator brought up the league’s firm stance against homophobia, referencing the suspension of Adelaide Crows player Izak Rankine for a homophobic slur. “The irony is not lost on many of us,” she noted, juxtaposing Rankine’s punishment with the warm welcome extended towards Snoop Dogg despite his history of controversial lyrics.

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Snoop Dogg’s Views on LGBTQ+ in Film

The controversy swelled further following Snoop’s remarks on a podcast where he shared discomfort over the depiction of LGBTQ+ characters in children’s movies—specifically mentioning his grandson’s questions about a same-sex couple in the animated film Lightyear. In his defense, Snoop expressed being unprepared to address such topics while merely looking to enjoy a movie, expressing his hesitation with, “I’m scared to go to the movies now.”

F### Snoop pic.twitter.com/H9bTqeZr9C

— Nurses Against Dick Pics. 🪷🇺🇦 (@ClaudetteGGibs1) August 24, 2025

In response, AFL CEO Andrew Dillon defended their decision, emphasizing the evolution of Snoop’s character. Dillon highlighted Snoop’s journey from his controversial past to a present-day grandfather and philanthropist deeply involved in youth rehabilitation initiatives.

The AFL’s predicament isn’t unique; sports and entertainment institutions worldwide often face scrutiny over balancing commercial viability with social accountability. The question persists: should the focus be on universal consumer appeal or domestic cultural support?

As of now, the AFL stands behind their decision, maintaining the California rapper on their lineup. This story continues to unfold, serving as a stark reminder of the complex intersection between culture, commerce, and community values.