Entertainment

Hannah Berner Issues Apology After Controversial Interview with Megan Thee Stallion: 'I Regret My Choice of Words'

2025-03-08

Author: Ting

In a heartfelt social media post, comedian Hannah Berner has publicly apologized for her interview with Grammy-winning artist Megan Thee Stallion at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party, which drew significant backlash from fans and critics alike.

The former "Summer House" star expressed her remorse in an Instagram Story, addressing the controversy sparked by her nearly three-minute interaction with Megan during the high-profile event. Viewers criticized Berner's comments for perpetuating microaggressions, particularly given the context of Megan's powerful and empowering music.

Reflecting on the encounter, Berner stated, "Interviewing Megan Thee Stallion was a dream come true for me. I admire her artistry and her music is my go-to for a burst of confidence before I step on stage. I deeply regret using the word 'fight' to describe the impact her songs have on me. It was a careless choice, and while my intent was not malicious, I acknowledge that my words carry weight and can be interpreted in a hurtful way. I sincerely apologize to Megan and appreciate those who pointed this out to me."

During the interview, Berner, alongside her co-host Paige DeSorbo, initially engaged in positive conversation with Megan, complimenting her recent documentary on Amazon Prime. However, discussions turned controversial when Berner remarked, "When I want to fight someone, I listen to your music," framing Megan's popular tracks in a confrontational context. Megan, ever poised, attempted to redirect the conversation to a more uplifting tone, encouraging a mindset of empowerment.

Social media users reacted strongly, with some expressing disappointment over Berner’s framing of Black women in media. Writer TyLisa Johnson highlighted the problem with perpetuating the stereotype of the "angry Black woman," stating, “Megan's music has always been about celebrating strength and liberation, not violence."

With this incident amplifying discussions surrounding microaggressions, the conversation around representation in media continues to evolve. Critics and supporters alike are calling for more awareness from public figures during interviews, especially when engaging with artists who have become symbols of empowerment for many.

While the Megan Thee Stallion interview garnered attention for the wrong reasons, Berner and DeSorbo also had the opportunity to engage with other stars during the event, including Amy Poehler, Hailey Bieber, and Jesse Eisenberg, after addressing the fallout from the controversial moment.

As fans and observers await a response from Megan Thee Stallion's team regarding the incident, this event has undoubtedly opened up necessary dialogues around language, representation, and the impact of words in celebrity culture.