Flavor Flav said he will host a big celebration. He vowed to throw a parade and party in Las Vegas. The event would honor the gold medalists from the Winter Olympics. Flav made the promise in social posts and interviews this week. He said he wants to do more than a dinner or a handshake. “If the USA Women’s Hockey team wants a real celebration and invite, I’ll host them in Las Vegas,” he said. “Do some nice dinners and shows and good times.”
A bigger celebration after a political flap
The offer arrived after the team declined a White House invitation. The decline followed a public exchange tied to comments by Donald Trump. Flav framed his offer as an alternative to what he called a “mediocre” gesture. He said male athletes should cheer on their female counterparts. The rapper also suggested inviting other medal-winning women. He told reporters he wants to honor Olympians and Paralympians who won medals.
Team response and logistics
USA Hockey said the athletes appreciated the recognition. But the governing body said timing and commitments limited their availability. “We are sincerely grateful for the invitation extended to our gold medal-winning U.S. Women’s Hockey Team,” the organization said in a statement. “Due to the timing and previously scheduled academic and professional commitments, the athletes are unable to participate.” USA Hockey.
Flav told USA TODAY he planned a weekend of events. He said he could get airlines and hotels to help. He promised dinners, shows and entertainment. He also said he might expand the invitation beyond hockey. Many outlets reported the pledge and played Flav’s social video. Sports writers noted the women dominated the tournament and faced unequal attention.
Flav has a recent history of supporting women’s teams. He hosted a party for the U.S. women’s water polo team after the 2024 Summer Games. He has worked with Olympic athletes as a hype man in the past. He said celebrating athletes helps raise awareness for women’s sports.
Whether a parade will happen depends on logistics and athlete schedules. Flav’s offer adds to discussions about recognition. It also highlights growing public support for women’s athletics. Fans and players reacted with gratitude on social media. Some praised Flav’s offer as heartfelt. Others wondered about final plans and dates.