- Flavor Flav attended NBC’s Christmas in Rockefeller Center in New York City on Dec. 4, where the Backstreet Boys were among many stars to perform
- The rapper then took to social media and claimed NBC asked him to leave the Backstreet Boys’ dressing room after he was invited inside
- “The situation was poorly handled,” Flav later told fans on social media, noting he “didn’t realize how many people would care” after the moment made news
Flavor Flav is not feeling the holiday spirit — at least not after an incident that took place during the annual Christmas in Rockefeller Center event in New York City on Wednesday, Dec. 4.
In a now-deleted X (formerly Twitter) post that’s since been shared by multiple outlets, the 65-year-old rapper said he had an unpleasant encounter with security while visiting the Backstreet Boys backstage at NBC’s tree lighting. “I feel weird,” he wrote. “I was invited to the Rockefeller Tree Lighting tonite and I was escorted to see my boys.”
“And we were backstage in their dressing room [when] security came up to me and says NBC does not want me in this area and I need to leave,” Flav continued. “At the same time[,] their social media woman came up and asked to capture social content.”
He concluded by asking, “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.”
In an update posted hours later, he wrote, “I deleted the tweet[,] but my spirit is broken.”
The Flavor of Love star took to X again the following day with a lengthy statement about what happened. “I posted and quickly deleted something last night,,, I was embarrassed by some language and actions by security guards throwing their weight around,” he began.
“The situation was poorly handled and I didn’t realize how many people would care. I thank all y’all for the love[,] and this the season to spread love and joy,” added Flav.
He then spoke about not wanting to take away from “everyone’s hard work” at the Christmas in Rockefeller Center event and praised Jennifer Hudson’s performance before directing his attention to the Backstreet Boys.
“I stayed and watched the Backstreet Boys from side stage just as it started to snow[,] and I gotta say that Howie D is one of the NICEST guys in the music industry,” continued Flav. “real good people ya know[,] and if ya don’t catch us on the front street[,] catch us on the Backstreet[!!]”
PEOPLE reached out to NBC for comment.
The special, which aired live on Dec. 4, was hosted by Kelly Clarkson and featured appearances by Today‘s Savannah Guthrie, Hoda Kotb, Al Roker and Craig Melvin and other familiar NBC faces.
Although the boy band has not responded on social media or issued a statement about the incident, Flav did say via X, “They spoke up for me[.] They sure did.”
Meanwhile, during the Paris Summer Olympics, Flav became one of the breakout stars of the Games after sponsoring the U.S. women’s water polo team. The hype man even made in-person appearances at Paris’ Aquatics Center to cheer the athletes on.
Later, he reunited with members of the team in Las Vegas to celebrate their continued relationship. The rapper also surprised them with a Virgin Voyage cruise as well as a $1,000 bonus.
Elsewhere during the Games, Flav also vowed to assist track and field athlete Veronica Fraley — who was competing for the U.S. in discus throw — by paying the remainder of her rent after she revealed she was unable to do so. The rapper, known for his signature clock accessories, also offered to replace gymnast Jordan Chiles’ bronze medal with a “bronze medal clock.”
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