Rapper and longtime women’s sports advocate Flavor Flav appeared before county commissioners Tuesday to support a proposed Las Vegas celebration honoring female Olympians and Paralympians.
The Public Enemy co-founder spoke during a Clark County Commission meeting as officials considered plans for “SHE Weekend,” a four-day event scheduled for July 16-19 on the Las Vegas Strip. The gathering would celebrate more than 100 female athletes from Team USA.
Flavor Flav, whose legal name is William Jonathan Drayton Jr., addressed commissioners with an emotional appeal about expanding support for women in sports. The musician briefly drew laughter inside the chamber after forgetting to formally introduce himself for the public record.
“Good afternoon commissioners. I’m here today because this is not just an event,” Flavor Flav said during the meeting. “This is a movement. Women athletes deserve the same love, visibility and celebration as everybody else.”
Commissioner Michael Naft interrupted the rapper moments into his remarks to request his name for the official record. The exchange created a lighthearted moment during the otherwise serious discussion.
“Oh, my bad,” Flavor Flav responded. “My name is Flavor Flav. County commissioners later approved the event proposal.
A Growing Voice for Women’s Sports
The upcoming celebration reflects Flavor Flav’s growing involvement in women’s athletics over recent years. The 67-year-old entertainer has become an outspoken supporter of Olympic athletes, particularly women competing in less-publicized sports.
He previously sponsored the U.S. women’s water polo team ahead of the Paris Olympics and supported members of the U.S. bobsled and skeleton teams during the Winter Games. His advocacy earned praise from athletes who have spoken publicly about financial struggles and limited sponsorship opportunities.
SHE Weekend is expected to include public events, networking opportunities and appearances from medal-winning Olympians and Paralympians. Organizers said MGM Resorts and other sponsors will help provide accommodations and host activities throughout the weekend.
The event also carries ties to Flavor Flav’s recent “She Got Game” campaign, which promoted greater recognition for female athletes. Earlier this year, Public Enemy released a reimagined version of the group’s song “He Got Game” to honor women in sports.
Event Designed Around Recognition
The Las Vegas celebration gained momentum after public debate surrounding recognition for the U.S. women’s hockey team following the Winter Olympics. Flavor Flav publicly offered to host athletes in Las Vegas after discussions about unequal attention toward male and female teams surfaced online.
“This is about showing these women that people care,” Flavor Flav said during the county meeting. “These athletes work just as hard. They sacrifice just as much. They deserve their flowers too.”
Officials said the event could draw national attention to Las Vegas while promoting women’s sports on a larger stage.
Flavor Flav later celebrated the county’s approval on social media, calling the decision “a win for women athletes everywhere.”