Snoop Dogg Faces Heat Over Anti-Gay Comments, Issues Public Apology
Released in 2022, Lightyear followed the famed Space Ranger, this time voiced by Chris Evans instead of Tim Allen. Though the movie focused on Buzz’s backstory—not the toy featured in Toy Story—some fans voiced disappointment that Allen wasn’t cast. That initial controversy was soon followed by another: the confirmation that the film would feature a lesbian couple. For many, the inclusion was a welcome step forward in representation. For others, it created tension.
While many celebrated Lightyear’s inclusion of diverse characters, others expressed discomfort—and one music icon recently found himself right in the middle of the storm.
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Snoop Dogg’s Initial Comments
In an interview on the It’s Giving podcast, legendary rapper Snoop Dogg shared that the film’s depiction of a lesbian couple with a child left him feeling unprepared for conversations with his grandson.
“What you see is what you see, and they’re putting it everywhere.”
“Oh s**t, I didn’t come in for this s**t. I just came to watch the go***mn movie.’ ‘They just said, she and she had a baby — they’re both women. How does she have a baby?’”
“It f***ed me up. I’m like, scared to go to the movies. Y’all throwing me in the middle of s**t that I don’t have an answer for… It threw me for a loop. 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.”
His remarks spread quickly, fueling conversations across social media and entertainment outlets.
Related: Pixar Shines as D23 Drops Updates on Toy Story 5
Reactions From Fans and Creatives
The comments drew sharp criticism, as some argued Snoop’s perspective reinforced stereotypes and dismissed meaningful representation. Others defended his honesty as a parent and grandparent.
One person especially connected to the issue was Lightyear writer Lauren Gunderson, who revealed her role in shaping the couple’s presence in the film.
“So, I created the LIGHTYEAR lesbians. In 2018, I was a writer at Pixar – such a cool place, grateful to work there, learned a ton from kind and impressive creatives.”
“As we wrote earlier versions of what became LIGHTYEAR, a key character needed a partner, and it was so natural to write ‘she’ instead of ‘he.’ As small as that detail is in the film, I knew the representational effect it could have. Small line, big deal. I was elated that they kept it.”
“I’m proud of it. To infinity.”
“Love is love.”
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Snoop’s words also inspired responses from within the LGBTQIA community. TS Madison, a transgender reality star, shared her perspective in an interview with TMZ Live, stressing that parents need to embrace conversations with their children.
“As a parent, you should also explain to your children that other things exist in the world, outside of what you have deemed normal in your own home. We’ve been conditioned to be able to understand heteronormative activity. We’ve conditioned it because that’s all we see, because we’ve always, as queer people, been pushed to the side… So it is time for us to have these uncomfortable conversations.”
Her words emphasized the importance of normalization and the idea that inclusion onscreen helps prepare younger audiences for the diversity of the real world.
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Snoop Dogg Responds
As the backlash grew, Snoop Dogg offered clarification on Instagram. On a post shared by Hollywood Unlocked, the rapper commented directly, softening his earlier tone.
“I was just caught off guard and had no answer for my grandsons all my gay friends no what’s up they been calling me with love 💗 my bad for not knowing the answers for a 6 yr old 😳 teach me how to learn I’m not perfect 🙌🏿🙏🏾🐾”
His use of “my bad” struck some as a casual apology, while others saw it as a genuine step toward accountability.
The uproar surrounding Snoop’s comments also caused older remarks from Lightyear star Chris Evans to resurface. Evans has long been outspoken about representation in film. He once referred to critics of inclusion as “idiots” and explained his belief that society as a whole is moving toward acceptance.
He argued that those who resist diversity “will die off like dinosaurs,” stressing his confidence in cultural progress.
The same-sex couple at the heart of this debate nearly didn’t make it into the film. Disney and Pixar originally cut a kiss between the two women, but the decision prompted intense backlash from fans and employees alike. Eventually, the studios reinstated the moment, even though it led to bans in multiple countries. Despite the pushback, the creators stood by their choice, citing the importance of authenticity and representation.
What do you think of Snoop Dogg’s explanation and apology? Did it come across as sincere or dismissive? Do you agree with those who feel he was simply unprepared, or do you side with critics who argue his words were harmful? And what about Pixar’s decision to feature the couple in Lightyear—do you believe it was the right call?
Share your thoughts with us in the comments.
