Call it early days, but almost three years remain until the 2028 Olympics take place in Los Angeles. Then again, recent developments related to event sponsorships make LA 2028 feel closer than ever. The latest is a special announcement featuring none other than Shaun White. And while it was meant to excite Olympic fans, it ended up doing quite the opposite!

To recall, the former American snowboarder and skateboarder currently has plenty on his plate. On the professional front, while he prepares to launch the much-anticipated Snow League, his personal life has also taken center stage—mainly the breakup of his engagement with Nina Dobrev, announced on September 11. And guess what? Not even a week later, White is already endorsing the LA Olympics.

On September 16th, sales momentum surged as Starbucks joined as Founding Partner of LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Following this, Shaun White shared a collaboration post on his official Instagram page, with caption, “It’s official: Starbucks is the official coffee partner of Team USA and LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games. Let’s go!!”

In the clip, White is seen wearing the iconic green Starbucks apron with his name tag while pouring milk into a transparent cup filled with coffee and ice. As he empties the cream and milk, a message written in black marker also becomes visible. The snowboarder proudly echoes the words, saying, “I’m talking about Team USA, baby,” as he holds up the cup.

Another video was shared by Team USA’s official Instagram handle, featuring not just Shaun but also Paraympian Rebecca Hart. The caption of the post read, “Red, white, and brewed 🇺🇸☕Making our mark with every cup, @starbucks is fueling Team USA and the LA28 Olympic & Paralympic Games!”

Quite a significant development, right? Well, sure it is. But the ardent supporters of Shaun White are taking a dig at the 3x Olympic gold medalist.

Shaun White faces backlash despite the major LA Olympic update!

As soon as this Starbucks x Team USA partnership featuring Shawn White made the internet, the majority of the Instagram community took to the comments section and took a dig at the 39-year-old. The reason, you ask? Well, how about we start with the very common thought echoed by many: “Interesting timing 👀,” one wrote. Still need a clue? Of course, it’s about his breakup with Nina Dobrev.

It was just in October 2024 when the Olympic champion and the renowned actress announced their engagement, marking a major milestone in their relationship. Less than a year later, however, the couple decided to go their separate ways. Reports suggest the decision was mutual, though difficult, and was described as being “made with love and deep respect for one another.”

At the same time, conflicting rumors have surfaced. Some claim that Dobrev was eager to settle down and start a family while White was not, while other reports in recent days have suggested the exact opposite, leaving fans uncertain about what really led to the breakup. Whatever the reason may be, this latest LA Olympics update surely makes one take a dig at Starbucks, writing, “Read the room, Starbucks.”

Or is it because the coffee brand doesn’t actually know what’s happening in and around White’s life? “Oh Starbucks…you must not know what’s going on 🫣,” one wrote, clearly indicating that the timing’s wrong. But one cannot entirely blame Starbucks. What if this entire campaign was prepared months ago and was supposed to be made live now, maybe? Sure, not an ideal moment, but that raises fingers at Shaun White.

“We’re kinda mad at you rn my guy,” wrote a netizen, questioning the Olympian as he gave in the very announcement. It even makes one wonder whether this entire saga with Nina Dobrev makes him sad or not. “He definitely doesn’t look heartbroken,” alleged one in the comments. 

Be that as it may, this is just a glimpse of what you saw as many came to slam Shaun White and his latest social media activity after parting ways with Nina Dobrev.