Snoop Dogg’s Remarks on Lightyear:
Appearing on the It’s Giving podcast, the 53-year-old artist described his shock at discovering a same-sex couple featured in the 2022 animated film. The movie includes a montage where space ranger Alisha Hawthorne (voiced by Uzo Aduba) marries her partner Kiko and raises a child together.
“They’re like, ‘She had a baby, with another woman,’” Snoop recalled. “My grandson in the middle of the movie is like, ‘Papa Snoop? How does she have a baby with a woman? She’s a woman!’ It f’ me up. I didn’t come in for this. I just came to watch the goddamn movie.”
The rapper admitted he struggled to answer his grandson’s questions and suggested that children may be too young to process such storylines. “These are kids. We have to show that at this age? They’re going to ask questions. I don’t have the answer,” he added.
The Controversy Surrounding Lightyear:
Before its release, Lightyear was already at the center of debate. The film, which tells the backstory of the Toy Story spaceman Buzz Lightyear (voiced by Chris Evans), included Disney’s first prominent LGBTQ+ character and the studio’s first on-screen same-sex kiss. The moment was initially cut but reinstated after a backlash from Pixar employees who argued it was essential representation.
Despite the push for inclusivity, the kiss sparked bans in several countries and remains one of Disney’s most polarizing creative decisions.
Backlash to Snoop Dogg’s Comments:
Snoop’s statements have drawn criticism, with many calling them outdated and insensitive. Some activists and fans are urging event organizers to reconsider his role as a headline performer at the upcoming Australian Football League’s Grand Final.
This isn’t the first time the rapper has faced scrutiny for his stance on LGBTQ+ issues. In 2015, he referred to Caitlyn Jenner as a “science project,” and in 2014, he used an anti-gay slur in a now-deleted Instagram post.
A Larger Debate in Hollywood:
Snoop Dogg’s comments highlight the ongoing tension around LGBTQ+ representation in mainstream family films. While studios like Disney are increasingly embracing diversity, critics argue about the timing, audience, and cultural impact of such portrayals.
Supporters see these storylines as crucial for visibility and inclusivity. Detractors, like Snoop, say they raise questions that parents and grandparents may not be ready to answer in a theater setting.
Conclusion:
The reaction to Snoop Dogg’s remarks underscores how deeply divided audiences remain on LGBTQ+ representation in children’s media. For some, films like Lightyear mark important progress toward inclusivity and acceptance.
For others, they raise concerns about what is appropriate for young viewers. As Hollywood continues to push for more diverse storytelling, the debate over when and how these narratives should appear in family entertainment shows no signs of slowing down.
