Olympics fans angry after figure skater Tomas Llorenc Guarino Sabate forced to drop Minions music days before Milan Games (Image via Getty)

Just days before the Winter Olympics begin in Italy, Spanish figure skater Tomas-Llorenc Guarino Sabate found himself in a sudden and stressful spot. His much-loved skating program, the one fans know and cheer for, can no longer be used at the Milan-Cortina Games. The reason is not injury or form, but it is music rights. Guarino Sabate, 26, has become popular for skating to music from the Despicable Me movies, complete with a bright yellow and blue costume inspired by the Minions. The program helped him stand out all season. He used the same music in multiple events after clearing it through official channels. But just one week before the Olympics, he was told the song is no longer allowed. The decision has left him rushing to rebuild his program and has also upset fans, many of whom feel the ruling makes no sense so close to the biggest event of his career.

Guarino Sabate shared the news himself on social media and made it clear this was not a careless mistake.“I followed all required procedures and submitted my music through the ISU ClicknClear system back in August, and I competed with this program throughout the entire season,” he wrote.He then explained how late the decision came.“Unfortunately, just days before the Olympic inauguration, I was informed that I am no longer permitted to use this program due to copyright clearance issues. Finding this out last Friday, so close to the biggest competition of my life, was incredibly disappointing.”The men’s figure skating event begins on February 10, which leaves very little time to adjust. Even so, Guarino Sabate tried to stay positive.“Nevertheless, I will face this challenge head-on and do everything I can to make the best of the situation,” he said.“To my fans: I wish I had better news, but I’m grateful beyond words for your support this season. I promise to step on the ice with everything I have and deliver programs that both you and I can be proud of.”Fans were quick to react. Many asked organizers to “let the Minion skate.” One fan wrote, “Are these people not full of joy & whimsy let the minion skate!!” Another added, “Well. There it goes. The last thing in the world that brought me joy.”Some fans also questioned how this happened at all. They tagged NBC, which holds U.S. broadcast rights to the Olympics, and Universal Pictures, which owns Illumination, the studio behind Despicable Me.This is not an isolated case. Reigning world champion Alysa Liu recently said she may not be able to use Bloody Mary by Lady Gaga, even though she skated to it at the 2026 U.S. Figure Skating Championships.For now, Guarino Sabate must move forward with new music, even as fans continue to voice their frustration online.