Flavor Flav, known for his role in the hip-hop group Public Enemy and his wild antics on reality TV, has caused a stir following an incident at the 2024 Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony. The event, which took place in New York City, is one of the most anticipated holiday spectacles, bringing together various stars to celebrate the Christmas season. This year, the event featured performances by the Backstreet Boys, Kelly Clarkson, and other artists, with thousands of fans gathered to see the iconic Norway Spruce light up the Manhattan sky.
However, for Flavor Flav, the evening took an unexpected turn. The rapper took to social media to express his disappointment after he was allegedly kicked out of the Backstreet Boys’ dressing room by NBC security. According to Flav, he had been invited to the event and escorted backstage to meet the boy band. But things quickly went south when security informed him that NBC did not want him in the area and asked him to leave.
“I feel weird… I was invited to the Rockefeller Tree Lighting tonite and I was escorted to see my boys… THE BACKSTREET BOYS… and we were backstage in their dressing room… security came up to me and said: @nbc Does not want me in this area and I need to leave,” Flavor Flav wrote on X (formerly Twitter) in a now-deleted post.
Flavor Flav further expressed his frustration by saying, “What did I ever do to NBC or anyone?? All I ever do is try to spread joy and love… and I think I did that for NBC at the Olympics,” referencing his work with the network during this year’s Paris Olympics.
Despite being removed from the Backstreet Boys’ green room, Flavor Flav later shared that the band stood up for him to the security personnel. According to him, they voiced their support, although it wasn’t enough to reverse the decision. Flav was later seen in the crowd, watching the Rockefeller Christmas Tree lighting from the audience, but he still appeared visibly upset by the experience.
NBC has yet to comment on the incident, but the rapper’s followers were quick to express their sympathy. Many fans questioned why someone as well-known as Flavor Flav, who has had a long career and frequently collaborates with major networks, would be treated this way. Others pointed out the irony of the situation, especially given that Flav is known for his fun-loving and festive persona.
Flav later followed up his post by deleting it and sharing a more subdued message. “I deleted the tweet… but my spirit is broken,” he wrote, reflecting the emotional impact the experience had on him. The rapper’s frustration is understandable, given his history of spreading positivity and working with networks like NBC on high-profile events, including the Olympics and the Super Bowl.
The 2024 Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting ceremony was a star-studded affair, featuring a mix of live performances and holiday cheer. The Backstreet Boys performed classic Christmas songs like “Last Christmas” by Wham! and Nat King Cole’s “The Christmas Song.” Kelly Clarkson also performed her hit festive tune, “Underneath the Tree.” Other notable artists included Jennifer Hudson, who sang “Winter Wonderland” from the rooftop of Radio City Music Hall, and Grammy winner Coco Jones.
Despite the public drama, Flavor Flav was not the only celebrity to make waves at the event. In fact, the star-studded lineup, including the famous Radio City Rockettes, helped keep the focus on the festive atmosphere. However, the rapper’s claim has added an unexpected twist to what was meant to be a celebratory evening. Fans have already started to speculate on the reasons behind NBC’s alleged actions, and many are calling for an explanation from the network.
Flavor Flav’s experience has highlighted a broader issue of how celebrities are sometimes treated backstage at major events. While some are given VIP access and warm hospitality, others, like Flav, are subjected to restrictions that seem unwarranted. It’s clear that, despite his years in the spotlight, the rapper’s treatment at the Rockefeller Christmas Tree Lighting has left him questioning his place in the industry.
As the controversy continues to unfold, fans and critics alike are eager to hear NBC’s side of the story. Whether or not Flavor Flav will receive an official apology or further clarification remains to be seen. However, it’s clear that his festive spirit was dampened by the incident, and his loyal supporters are standing by him during this holiday season.
