AFL Backs Snoop Dogg Grand Final Performance Amid Homophobia Controversy

The AFL has defended its decision to have Snoop Dogg headline this year’s Grand Final pre-game entertainment amid a swirl of controversy and alleged hypocrisy around its stance towards homophobia.

On Thursday (21 August), the AFL handed Adelaide Crows player Izak Rankine a four-week suspension for using a homophobic slur on the field against a Collingwood Magpies player last Saturday (16 August).

AFL CEO Andrew Dillon backed the call to have Snoop Dogg perform at this year’s Grand Final, despite media attention being drawn to the rapper’s past misogynistic and homophobic lyrics, as the AFL works to crack down on homophobia within the league.

Following the decision to suspend Rankine for four weeks, Dillon said that Snoop Dogg’s Grand Final Day performance would be “family-friendly”.

“We cannot vouch for every lyric in every song ever written or performed by any artist who has appeared on our stage — Australian or international,” Dillon said yesterday.

“What I can say is that our pre-match entertainment on AFL Grand Final day will be family-friendly and consistent with the audience at the MCG and those watching the broadcast.

“It is also important to remember that we engaged Snoop Dogg in 2025 as the person he is today.”

Dillon added, “He has spoken publicly about his past, he has changed, and today he is a grandfather, philanthropist, he helps rehabilitate youth and is a global entertainer who has performed at both the Super Bowl and the Olympic Closing Ceremony to audiences of more than 100 million people.

“In those environments, his performance was appropriate and well-received, and his performance this year at our Grand Final will be fitting for the best sporting event in the country.”

Rankine isn’t the only AFL player to receive a suspension for using a homophobic slur on the field. As the organisation notes, Rankine is the sixth player in the past two seasons to be suspended for the use of a homophobic slur.

Upon the announcement that he’d be headlining this year’s AFL Grand Final performance, Snoop Dogg said, “It’s an absolute honour to be hitting the stage at the AFL Grand Final — it’s one of the biggest events on the Aussie calendar. Can’t wait to bring the energy and celebrate with the fans. Let’s make it unforgettable.”

Dillon described Snoop Dogg as a “pioneer, performer, and true entertainer.”