Full Breakdown
Amber Glenn Faces Controversy After Olympic Gold Win
2/10/2026, 4:35:17 PM
Olympic Gold and Immediate Backlash
Amber Glenn, the first openly LGBTQ+ athlete to compete in women's figure skating at the Winter Olympics, recently won a gold medal as part of Team USA during the team event at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy. However, her victory was quickly overshadowed by a copyright dispute regarding the music used in her free skate routine. Canadian artist Seb McKinnon, known as CLANN, publicly objected to the use of his song "The Return," which Glenn had performed to for the past two years without issue. McKinnon expressed his surprise on social media, questioning whether it was standard practice for Olympic skaters to use music without permission, especially given the global broadcast of the event.
The Complexity of Music Licensing in Figure Skating
Historically, figure skaters avoided copyright issues due to the International Skating Union's prohibition of vocal music, with most classical compositions being in the public domain. This changed in 2014 when the ISU allowed music with lyrics, leading to increased creativity but also complications regarding music licensing. Skaters are responsible for ensuring their music is properly cleared, a process that can involve multiple parties, including record labels and artists. The complexity of this process was highlighted by Glenn's situation, as she was reportedly unaware of any licensing issues prior to the competition.
Criticism and Support for Glenn
Glenn's situation has drawn mixed reactions. While some fans and fellow skaters have defended her, arguing that artists should appreciate the exposure their music receives through Olympic performances, others have criticized the lack of proper licensing. Justin Dillon, the director of high performance for U.S. Figure Skating, stated that the organization has attempted to assist skaters in avoiding copyright claims, but it remains unclear what role they played in Glenn's music approval.
Glenn has also faced significant backlash for her outspoken support of LGBTQ+ rights. During a pre-Olympics press conference, she remarked that the queer community is experiencing a "hard time" under the political climate influenced by President Donald Trump. Following her comments, Glenn reported receiving threats on social media, prompting her to take a break from online platforms for her mental health.
Official Statements and Responses
In response to the copyright issue, McKinnon later clarified his position, acknowledging the complexities of music licensing and congratulating Glenn on her gold medal win. Glenn, however, expressed disappointment over the backlash she received for her political comments, stating, “I couldn’t believe the outlandish backlash I received for just supporting people.” She emphasized her commitment to using her platform to advocate for human rights and decency.
What's Next for Glenn
As Glenn prepares for the individual women's event, which begins on February 17, the ongoing copyright dispute and social media backlash may continue to impact her experience at the Olympics. Despite the challenges, she remains focused on her performance and the message she wishes to convey through her skating.
