Boos for US VP Vance Heard Globally, But Not on US Broadcast

NBC's editing of crowd audio raises questions about narrative control as US prepares to host major sporting events

Published on Feb. 9, 2026

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During the parade of nations at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, large sections of the crowd booed when cameras cut to US Vice President JD Vance and his wife Usha. This audio was audible to viewers in Canada and other countries, but was absent from NBC's US broadcast, raising concerns about how American networks may handle dissent towards political figures at future high-profile events like the 2026 World Cup and 2028 LA Olympics.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the growing challenge for US broadcasters to control the narrative around political figures at major sporting events as global audiences have more access to unfiltered footage. Attempts to curate or omit unfavorable reactions could further erode public trust in media institutions.

The details

When Team USA entered the stadium during the parade of nations, speed skater Erin Jackson was cheered enthusiastically. However, when cameras cut to Vice President Vance and his wife, large sections of the crowd responded with audible and sustained boos. This audio was clearly heard by Canadian viewers and journalists in the press box, but was absent from NBC's US broadcast.

  • On February 9, 2026, during the opening ceremony of the Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy.

The players

JD Vance

The current Vice President of the United States, who was booed by sections of the crowd during the Olympic opening ceremony.

Usha Vance

The Second Lady of the United States, who was booed alongside her husband JD Vance during the Olympic opening ceremony.

Erin Jackson

An American speed skater who led the US delegation into the stadium and received enthusiastic cheers from the crowd.

NBC

The American television network that broadcast the Olympic opening ceremony to US viewers, but did not include the audio of the crowd booing the Vice President.

CBC

The Canadian television network that broadcast the Olympic opening ceremony, including the audio of the crowd booing the Vice President.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The incident raises concerns about how American broadcasters will handle dissent towards political figures at future high-profile events like the 2026 World Cup and 2028 LA Olympics, as global audiences have more access to unfiltered footage.

The takeaway

The inability of American broadcasters to control the narrative around political figures at major sporting events could further erode public trust in media institutions, as audiences assume anything unfavorable is being hidden from them.