Pat McAfee has apologized for comments he made during WWE Elimination Chamber regarding Canadian fans booing the United States national anthem. The incident occurred during the February 24 premium live event at the Rogers Centre in Toronto.
Canadian fans loudly booed the performance of “The Star-Spangled Banner” by Elizabeth Irving, making it difficult to hear the singer. When Irving performed the Canadian national anthem immediately after, the crowd enthusiastically cheered and sang along.
During the broadcast, McAfee, who was on commentary with Michael Cole and Wade Barrett, expressed strong disapproval of the fans’ reaction to the American anthem, directing pointed comments toward the camera about the booing.
On the March 3rd episode of the Pat McAfee Show, the commentator addressed the situation and offered context for his reaction while acknowledging the political tensions between the United States and Canada.
Now, Canada. Listen, there’s been some things said to me from Canadians that I guess I respect because of the passion that you have for your country, which I hope you understand that I was showing the same for mine. You booed my country.
McAfee explained that his reaction stemmed from personal connections to both the United States and its military personnel.
My dad went from being a truck driver to a millionaire because he taught his son a work ethic and that anything is possible on this land here in the United States. Now I know that we’re not the only country that has that happen, but in my life that is the case. I’ve also moved out here to Indiana and got a chance to meet a lot of military members.
The commentator acknowledged that many Canadians had pointed to recent political tensions between the two countries as context for the booing, specifically referencing comments made by former President Donald Trump.
A lot of Canadians have told me, ‘Why don’t you do a little investigating on why we’re booing? Okay, do you hear what your President said?’ Okay, listen, I understand there’s political differences at the current moment between US and Canada, but I feel like anytime I think of Canada, I don’t think of what Justin Trudeau does.
McAfee concluded his statement by extending an olive branch to Canadian fans while maintaining his right to have responded as he did.
I understand now from the Canadians that they have a lot more passion for their country than I could have ever imagined. A lot of terrible things have been said about me, and I understand it. You boo my country. I called your country terrible. Let’s shake hands. Okay?
McAfee continues to serve as a regular commentator on WWE Raw alongside Michael Cole, as well as at WWE premium live events.
