Controversy Surrounds Hannah Berner's Interview with Megan Thee Stallion

In a red carpet moment that has ignited backlash from fans, comedian and former "Summer House" star Hannah Berner has publicly apologized for her recent interview with rapper Megan Thee Stallion at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party. The moment, which lasted nearly three minutes, has been criticized for Berner's use of language that some have interpreted as revealing underlying racial microaggressions.

Hannah Berner's Apology

The controversy began when Berner shared an Instagram Story on Thursday, addressing the negative reception her interview received. "Interviewing Megan Thee Stallion was a dream of mine," she expressed. "I adore her music and it's my go-to playlist whenever I need a confidence boost before a show. However, in retrospect, I regret using the word 'fight' to describe how her songs energize me."

She acknowledged the weight of her words, stating, "It was a careless choice, and while I had no ill intent, I understand that the phrase carries a more profound implication. I sincerely apologize to Megan and am grateful to those who pointed this out."

Interview Highlights and Backlash

During the interview, Berner and her "Giggly Squad" co-host Paige DeSorbo began on a positive note, commending Megan on her recent Amazon Prime documentary. Yet, the discussion pivoted when Berner mentioned, "Your music has literally made me want — when I want to fight someone, I listen to your music." This statement quickly drew ire online, as fans felt it misrepresented the empowering themes often found in Megan's music.

Megan Thee Stallion's Response

Megan's response aimed to shift the focus. "You want to throw that fighting out the window and you want to get cute and be a bad (expletive)," she said, trying to steer the conversation towards a more positive engagement.

Social Media Reaction and Criticism

Criticism arose on social media highlighting not only Berner's comments but also the way both hosts interacted with Megan, overshadowing her narrative. As noted by TyLisa Johnson in a piece for Poynter, references to an "angry Black woman" stereotype are regressive and damaging, especially towards an artist who promotes confidence and self-expression.

Reactions varied; some applauded the critique against Berner's choices, while others defended her intentions. One TikTok user remarked, "The racism is LOUD!" while others clarified that Megan’s music inspires joy rather than aggression. One fan remarked, "Meg was like 'fight people? Girl, I make Bad Bih music. Do you see these nails? We don’t fight.'"

Conclusion: A Call for Sensitivity

Despite the backlash, it's important to recognize that the interview also featured engaging discussions with other stars like Amy Poehler, Hailey Bieber, and Jesse Eisenberg, highlighting a broader celebration of creativity at the Oscars afterparty. Moving forward, this incident showcases the continued importance of sensitivity and awareness in the ever-evolving landscape of public discourse.