Hannah Berner Apologizes for Red Carpet Interview with Megan Thee Stallion Following Criticism of "Racist Microaggressions"
Hannah Berner, comedian, former "Summer House" star, and co-host of the "Giggly Squad" podcast, has issued an apology after receiving backlash for her interview with Megan Thee Stallion at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party on Sunday. The interaction, lasting nearly three minutes, sparked outrage online, with many accusing Berner of displaying racist microaggressions and misrepresenting the rapper’s music.
The controversy stemmed from Berner’s description of how Megan Thee Stallion’s music impacts her. "Interviewing Megan Thee Stallion was a dream of mine. I love her music and it’s my go to whenever I need to boost my confidence before a show," Berner stated in an Instagram Story addressing the criticism. However, it was her subsequent statement that ignited the firestorm. "Looking back at the interview, I wish I used any other word except ‘fight’ to describe how her songs impact me," Berner admitted. "It was a careless choice of words and though there was no ill intent, I recognize and acknowledge that what I said has a deeper meaning and I am so sorry to Megan. I appreciate everyone who brought this to my attention."
The problematic comment arose when Berner, alongside her "Summer House" co-star and podcast co-host Paige DeSorbo, interviewed Megan Thee Stallion on the red carpet. After DeSorbo interjected with a comment about starting her day with Megan’s music, Berner added, "Your music has literally made me want—when I want to fight someone, I listen to your music." She continued, "When people are talking [expletive], I go, ‘Turn on Megan Thee Stallion!’"
Megan Thee Stallion, ever the professional, seemingly attempted to redirect the conversation towards a more positive message. "You want to throw that fighting [expletive] out the window and you want to get cute and be a bad [expletive]," she responded. While Megan handled the situation with grace, social media users were quick to condemn Berner’s remarks.
Critics argued that Berner’s characterization of Megan’s music as inherently violent perpetuated harmful stereotypes about Black women. The sentiment was echoed in an article by TyLisa Johnson for Poynter, who wrote, "Lowkey angry Black woman references in 2025? Please. I’ve been a fan of Megan Thee Stallion since around 2016, when she was a young college student freestyling in cars. She has never made me want to fight. She makes me want to dance, be more liberated, stand up for myself and own my womanhood."
Furthermore, many viewers felt that Berner and DeSorbo spoke over Megan, further contributing to the perceived microaggressions. A TikTok user, commenting on a clip of the interaction, simply stated, "The racism is LOUD!" Others disagreed with Berner’s interpretation of Megan’s musical themes, with one user commenting, "Meg was like fight people? Girl, I make Bad Bih music. Do you see these nails? We don’t fight."
The controversy highlights the persistent issue of racial stereotypes and microaggressions that Black artists, particularly Black female artists, often face. By associating Megan Thee Stallion’s music with violence, Berner inadvertently reinforced a harmful narrative that overlooks the multifaceted nature of her artistry. Megan’s music often celebrates female empowerment, confidence, and independence, themes that resonate deeply with her fans and challenge traditional representations of women in hip-hop. To reduce her work to simply "fight music" not only diminishes her artistic contributions but also perpetuates a dangerous trope.
The incident also raises questions about the responsibilities of interviewers, particularly those working in the entertainment industry. Interviewers have a platform and a responsibility to be mindful of the language they use and the potential impact of their words. Engaging in thoughtful and respectful dialogue is crucial, especially when interviewing artists from marginalized communities. Berner’s apology acknowledges her lapse in judgment and demonstrates a willingness to learn from the experience. However, the incident serves as a reminder that awareness and sensitivity are essential when discussing issues of race and representation.
While the interview with Megan Thee Stallion garnered the most attention, Berner and DeSorbo also spoke with other celebrities at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party, including Amy Poehler, Hailey Bieber, and Jesse Eisenberg. However, it was the Megan Thee Stallion interaction that went viral, sparking a much-needed conversation about the ways in which unconscious biases can manifest in everyday interactions.
The fallout from the interview underscores the power of social media to hold individuals accountable for their actions and words. The swift and widespread criticism forced Berner to address the issue publicly and acknowledge the harm caused by her remarks. This incident serves as a valuable lesson for anyone in a position of influence to be mindful of the messages they are conveying and to prioritize respectful and inclusive communication. As the entertainment industry continues to strive for greater diversity and representation, it is crucial that individuals like Hannah Berner learn from their mistakes and actively work to create a more equitable and inclusive environment for all artists. The dialogue surrounding this incident hopefully inspires more conscious and thoughtful interactions between interviewers and artists, leading to a more nuanced and respectful representation of diverse voices and perspectives.
