Flavor Flav’s latest move is music to our feminist ears.
Flav, the co-founder of Grammy-nominated rap group Public Enemy – and for those who enjoy such fare as I do, reality TV star – has been making headlines for the past few weeks for his efforts to support the U.S. women’s water polo team in its latest trip to the Olympics in Paris.
Specifically, he’s inked a five-year sponsorship deal to become the team’s official “hype man.” The deal involves a financial donation for an undisclosed amount, as well as commitments to appear at numerous team games and events. The team is “bustin’ they butt … to make the United States look good,” he said about his motivation to help during a July 1 interview with CBS Mornings. But “you’re not really making money in the Olympics.”
This past weekend, he could be found in the Parisian stands, following through on his plan to exuberantly support the team – while seated next to FLOTUS Dr. Jill Biden, no less. He cheered; he donned red, white and blue; he stayed after to take selfies with fellow supporters.
The team did give him ample reason to cheer, by soundly defeating the coalition from Greece in its first round-robin game, besting them 15-6. A fine start, if unsurprising for a group that’s won gold in its last three trips to the Games. But their new celebrity sponsor was excited as could be.
But some have wondered: Where did this pairing even come from?
In May, the team’s captain, Maggie Steffens, posted on Instagram about the team’s need for increased financial support, both as individuals and as a unit. “Many of my teammates aren’t just badass champions, but also teachers, business owners, coaches, physicians assistants, and more,” she wrote. “Some may not know this, but most Olympians need a 2nd (or 3rd) job to support chasing the dream (myself included!).”
She added that sponsorships are often necessary to pay for travel, nutritional support and more when hitting the road to compete.
Flav was shown the post by his manager – and was galvanized into action. “[A]s a girl dad and supporter of all women’s sports – I’mma personally sponsor you my girl … whatever you need. And I’mma sponsor the whole team,” he wrote in the comments of Steffens’ post. “ I’mma use all my relationships and resources to help all y’all even more. That’s a FLAVOR FLAV promise.”
And it’s a promise he kept. The team is now vying for a fourth gold medal in Paris – if they succeed, they will be the first team in the history of the sport to do so. But regardless of how they fare, their new “hype man” will be along for the ride.
“I’m excited to bring my energy and voice to this incredible sport,” he said to Team USA back when he first inked the deal. “Niche sports often don’t get the spotlight they deserve, but they are packed with incredible talent and heart. Together, we’re going to make some serious waves!”
