Spanish figure skater Tomàs-Llorenç Guarino Sabaté will officially perform his viral Minions short program at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics after a last-minute copyright scare threatened to derail the routine.
Sabaté confirmed on February 6 that he had secured permission to use the music, clearing the way for the performance that has drawn global attention throughout the 2025–2026 season. The routine, which features music from the Despicable Me and Minions franchises, had been in doubt after rights issues emerged shortly before the Games.
The skater is making his Olympic debut in Milan and Cortina, and his short program has become one of the most talked-about performances of the men’s singles field due to its playful tone and unconventional presentation.
Minions routine cleared after last-minute licensing reversal
The controversy, dubbed “Minionsgate” by fans online, began on February 2 when Sabaté was informed that he could not use the music at the Olympics despite performing the program throughout the entire international season.
The issue centered on licensing approval from Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment, which control the rights to the soundtrack.
Following the initial denial, a widespread social media campaign using the hashtag #LetTheMinionSkate gained traction, with fans and fellow skaters calling for the routine to be allowed. Just days later, Universal reversed its decision, granting permission for what was described as a one-time exception for the Olympic Games.
The approval came on the morning of February 6, only hours before Olympic events were set to begin.
Sabaté addressed the situation on Instagram, writing: “I am very happy to announce that we have made it… I will be able to skate my Minions program at the Olympic Games.”
The short program is set to a medley of four tracks from the Despicable Me and Minions soundtracks, including “Freedom” by Pharrell Williams, which was the final piece of music to receive clearance. The routine opens with the distinctive laughter of the Minion characters, immediately signaling its comedic intent.
While the theme is lighthearted, the program remains fully compliant with International Skating Union short program requirements. Sabaté performs all mandatory technical elements, including jumps, spins, and step sequences, while maintaining the Minion-inspired character throughout.
The visual element has played a major role in the routine’s popularity. Sabaté skates in a bright yellow shirt, denim overalls, and oversized glasses modeled after the animated characters.
During practice sessions when the music was temporarily unavailable, he briefly reverted to a black-and-white Bee Gees-inspired costume from a previous season before returning to the Minions outfit once permission was restored.
Fans will be able to watch the full routine during the men’s short program on Tuesday, February 10, as Sabaté brings one of the Olympics’ most unconventional performances to the ice.
