Snoop Dogg slams LGBTQ+ characters in kids’ films, sparks backlash

Snoop Dogg is facing backlash for his comments on LGBTQ+ characters in children’s films.

During an Aug. 20 episode of the “It’s Giving” podcast, the 53-year-old rapper said he was displeased when he took his grandson to see the animated movie “Lightyear,” which features a same-sex couple having a child together.

“(The movie is) like, ‘She had a baby with a woman,'” he said. “My grandson, in the middle of the movie, is like, ‘Papa Snoop, how did she have a baby with a woman? She’s a woman.'”

Snoop Dogg complained that he “didn’t come here” to answer these kinds of questions. “I’m scared to go to the movies now,” he said, adding that “Lightyear” was “throwing me in the middle of” a situation where he didn’t “have an answer” for his grandchild.

“It threw me for a loop,” he continued. “I’m like, ‘What part of the movie was this?’ These are kids. We have to show that at this age? They’re going to ask questions! I don’t have the answer.”

USA TODAY has reached out to representatives for Snoop Dogg for comment.

Why Pixar’s ‘Lightyear’ has a same-sex kiss and not an ‘awkward handhold’ between queer characters

Released in 2022, the “Toy Story” spinoff “Lightyear” features a montage sequence where Buzz Lightyear’s friend Alisha marries and has a child with her female love interest. At the time, the movie sparked controversy among conservatives and was banned in the United Arab Emirates, due to a brief moment where Alisha shares a kiss with her partner.

The moment also fueled conservative outrage against Disney’s then-CEO, Bob Chapek. Months before the release of “Lightyear,” Chapek had spoken out against a Florida bill prohibiting public school teachers from discussing sexual orientation or gender identity with young students. The measure was dubbed the “Don’t Say Gay” bill by critics. Chapek initially did not condemn the bill, which had initially sparked anger among Disney’s LGBTQ+ fans and employees.

Snoop Dogg’s comments about “Lightyear” didn’t go over well on social media.

“I’m so tired.. Genuinely so tired of the rampant homophobia nowadays,” one X user wrote in response. Another slammed the rapper as the “biggest sellout in Hip-Hop.”

One X user wondered, “How is answering his grandson’s question even close to the horrors of answering how a man has a baby with a woman?????”

Snoop Dogg under fire for performance at crypto event celebrating Trump inauguration

This isn’t the first time this year that Snoop Dogg has set off a social media firestorm.

In January, the rapper faced criticism after performing at the Inaugural Crypto Ball, a Washington event celebrating the inauguration of President Donald Trump. Fans were confused by the decision, given Snoop Dogg had previously slammed artists who agreed to perform at Trump’s first inauguration in 2017.

In January, the rapper alluded to the backlash, without directly addressing it, in an Instagram video.

“For all the hate, I’m gonna answer it with love,” he told followers. “Y’all can’t hate enough on me. I love too much.” Snoop Dogg added, “Get your life right. Stop worrying about mine. I’m cool. I’m together. Still a Black man. Still 100% Black.”