Controversy: Snoop Dogg, 53 Slams LGBTQ Representation in Children’s Films
Snoop Dogg made some comments that are raising eyebrows from the public. The “Gin and Juice” rapper took to see the 2022 Disney animated film Lightyear and was surprised that one of the characters has two mothers. He made his comments during a recent appearance on a podcast.
Snoop Dogg Comments on LGBTQ Representation in Film
During an appearance on Sarah Fontenot’s “It’s Giving” podcast, Snoop Dogg recounted taking one of his grandchildren to see Lightyear, the Toy Story spinoff. He wasn’t prepared for a scene depicting a same-sex couple, which led to some questions from his young movie companion that he wasn’t ready to answer. The film sparked a lot of controversy amongst the public.
During the podcast episode, Snoop Dogg explained his surprise when the movie showed the character Alisha Hawthorne and her wife sharing a brief kiss and starting a family. He described his grandson turning to him mid-movie to ask, “Papa Snoop, how does she have a baby with a woman?” The rapper explained that the questions from his grandson took him aback.
He said, “Oh s‑‑‑, I didn’t come in for this s‑‑‑. I just came to watch the goddamn movie, it f‑‑‑ed me up. I’m, like, scared to go to the movies now. Y’all throwing me in the middle of s‑‑‑ that I don’t have an answer for. He also added, “These are kids. We have to show that at this age? They’re going to ask questions. I don’t have the answer.”
The moment clearly stuck with him, prompting a discussion about modern kids’ entertainment and the conversations it can spark. This situation highlights a broader cultural conversation. While many praise increased representation in media, others, like Snoop, find themselves caught off guard, unsure how to navigate these topics with young children. Let’s break down what happened, the context surrounding the film, and the larger discussion Snoop Dogg’s comments have reignited.
Afterwards, Snoop was criticized by users online for his comments. At the same time, though, some defended him online. @folkred12 posted in a comment with 3,300 likes and 69, 900 views: “If the existence of gay people scares you, maybe you should just stay inside.” In a comment defending the rapper, @AccraStreet shared in a post with 1,100 likes and over 33,400 views: “Snoop Dogg has the right to choose what content he feels is safe for his grandson – taking a stand doesn’t make one homophobic!”
The Controversy Surrounding Lightyear’s Release
Snoop Dogg’s reaction, while personal, echoes the much larger controversy that surrounded Lightyear upon its 2022 release. The film, intended as the origin story for the iconic space ranger Buzz Lightyear, made headlines for its inclusion of a same-sex couple. The character Alisha Hawthorne, Buzz’s close friend and commanding officer, is shown in a montage marrying her wife and raising a son with her.
The scene, though brief, was significant enough to cause international debate. Several countries, including Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, and Malaysia, banned the film from theaters. Disney reportedly refused requests to edit out the scene. Galyn Susman, one of the movie’s producers, said to Reuters at the time, “We’re not going to cut out anything, especially something as important as the loving and inspirational relationship that shows Buzz what he’s missing.”
The kiss scene was almost cut, and according to a statement from LGBTQIA+ employees at Pixar, Disney executives had initially removed the moment. However, following employee pushback and public criticism of then-CEO Bob Chapek’s handling of Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill, the scene was restored. The discussion Snoop Dogg stumbled into is one that has been brewing in Hollywood for years.
The push for more diverse and inclusive storytelling in film and television has led to greater representation of different races, cultures, and identities, including the LGBTQ+ community. Proponents argue that seeing diverse families and relationships on screen helps normalize them and allows children from those communities to see themselves represented. Chris Evans, who voiced Buzz Lightyear in the film, addressed the controversy during the press tour.
He expressed his frustration that such a moment was even a topic of debate, stating that the goal is for representation to become so normal that it’s no longer considered “uncharted waters.” On the other side are parents and guardians, such as Snoop Dogg, who believe that these topics are being introduced to children too early, forcing conversations they may not feel equipped to handle. It’s less about the existence of different family structures and more about who gets to control the timing and context of that introduction.
Final Thoughts
Snoop Dogg’s experience with Lightyear serves as a snapshot of the current cultural landscape, where entertainment often intersects with art, social progress, and personal values. While Disney and Pixar aimed to present a more inclusive universe, they inadvertently created a moment that left a global superstar grappling with how to explain modern love to his grandson. It seems that even for someone who has seen it all, a trip to the movies can still be full of surprises.
