Hannah Berner apologized to Megan Thee Stallion after catching heat for comments while chatting during the Vanity Fair Oscars Party on March 2. What began as a playful back-and-forth became a social media firestorm, with many calling Berner’s comment a “microaggression.”
The moment in question happened when Berner, talking with her Giggly Squad co-host Paige DeSorbo, expressed that she plays Megan’s music whenever she gets the urge to “fight someone.” She added that the rapper’s high-octane tracks provide her with the inspiration she needs to “hold her own” when people are “talking s###.”
Megan, the personification of swagger, feigned incredulity, saying, “Because you want to throw that fighting s### out the window, and you want to get cute and be a bad b####.” It was a moment that appeared light in real-time, but the response on social media was less so.
Once the clip found its way to the internet, many were quick to pounce on Berner’s word choice, interpreting it as a problem. Others criticized her comment as perpetuating stereotypes and an insensitive way to describe a Black female artist’s music taking hold. As word of the exchange went through the digital ether, Berner wasted no time tackling the controversy head-on. Admitting her error, the 33-year-old took to her Instagram Stories on Thursday to share her remorse.
“I had long dreamed of interviewing Megan Thee Stallion,” she wrote. “But I love her music, and it’s my go-to when I need a confidence boost before a show. On reflection of the interview, “I wish I used any different word other than ‘fight’ to explain how her songs interact with me,” Berner said she never meant harm and is willing to learn from the experience.
“It was an unfortunate choice of words and there was no malice,” she added. “I understand and feel that what I said carries weight and meaning, and I really am sorry to Megan. Thankful to whoever brought this to my attention.”
As of now, Megan Thee Stallion has not publicly responded to Berner’s apology, but during the interview, she appeared to take the comment more with amusement than offense. Still, the internet doesn’t forget so quickly, and Berner’s swift answer indicates she’s taking the criticism to heart.
If nothing else, this moment shows how heavy words can be even in off-handed, off-the-cuff conversations. But Berner’s blunt apology and her admission of reflection represent a step toward understanding and growth. And if Megan has one clear takeaway from her response, a fence or a scuffle doesn’t determine the essence of her music. It’s simply about feeling confident, empowered, and cute while doing it.
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