Flavor Flav is known for spreading love and joy, but it seems the holiday spirit wasn’t quite as warm for the legendary rapper during this year’s Christmas in Rockefeller Center event. The 65-year-old star was left feeling disheartened after an unexpected encounter with security while backstage at the annual tree lighting in New York City on December 4. Flav was in town to catch up with his friends, the Backstreet Boys, but his visit was marred by an uncomfortable confrontation that left him questioning his treatment by NBC.
Flav took to X (formerly Twitter) to share his side of the story, explaining that he had been invited to the prestigious event and was escorted backstage to see the Backstreet Boys. “I feel weird,” he began his now-deleted post. “I was invited to the Rockefeller Tree Lighting tonight, and I was escorted to see my boys.”
However, things took a sudden turn when NBC’s security approached him. “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 explained. To make matters worse, just as security was kicking him out, the Backstreet Boys’ social media manager approached him to capture social content. This bizarre contrast left the rapper frustrated and confused. “What did I ever do to NBC or anyone? All I ever do is try to spread joy and love,” he lamented.
In an emotional update shared a few hours later, Flav posted, “I deleted the tweet, but my spirit is broken.” His public apology, however, didn’t seem to be about the incident itself but rather about his own frustration with how the situation had played out. In his subsequent message, he expressed embarrassment over the language he used in his initial post and emphasized that he didn’t want to detract from the hard work put into the event.
“The situation was poorly handled and I didn’t realize how many people would care,” Flav admitted. But despite the drama, he made it clear that the season was about love, kindness, and togetherness. “I thank all y’all for the love, and this the season to spread love and joy,” he added in a spirit of positivity.
In his follow-up statement, Flav made sure to give credit where credit was due. He acknowledged the impressive performances at the Rockefeller event, especially praising Jennifer Hudson, whose rendition at the event stood out to him. Then, Flav turned his attention to the Backstreet Boys, whom he clearly holds in high regard.
“I stayed and watched the Backstreet Boys from side stage just as it started to snow,” Flav shared. “And I gotta say that Howie D is one of the NICEST guys in the music industry. Real good people, ya know, and if ya don’t catch us on the front street, catch us on the Backstreet!!”
Though the Backstreet Boys have yet to comment publicly on the incident, Flav was quick to show his gratitude for the band’s support. “They spoke up for me,” he said on X, making it clear that they had his back during the ordeal.
Despite the awkward encounter, Flavor Flav managed to keep his holiday spirit alive and even praised the teamwork that went into the event. His love for the Backstreet Boys and his respect for the hard work of everyone involved in the Christmas in Rockefeller Center special were palpable. However, his frustrations with NBC security left a mark.
Flav, ever the entertainer, has been a fixture of public life for decades, known for his wild antics and boundless energy. He’s also recently become one of the breakout stars of the Paris Summer Olympics, where his viral moments included sponsoring the U.S. women’s water polo team and surprising them with a luxury cruise and bonus payments. As he continues to bring his larger-than-life personality to global events, it’s clear that Flavor Flav’s heart still lies in spreading joy—despite the occasional misstep along the way.
Read more: