Hannah Berner, a comedian and podcast host, recently found herself at the center of a controversy after an interview with Megan Thee Stallion went viral. During the Vanity Fair Oscar after-party, Berner and her co-host Paige DeSorbo were praising Megan for her confidence when Berner made a comment that sparked backlash. She said, “Your music has literally made me, like, when I want to fight someone, I listen to your music.” Megan, who is known for her empowering and confident lyrics, seemed taken aback by the statement. She responded, “You want to throw that fighting shit out the window. You want to get cute and be a bad bitch.” Despite this, Berner continued, saying, “When people are talking shit, I go, ‘Turn on Megan Thee Stallion!’” The exchange quickly went viral, with many fans accusing Berner of being microaggressive and perpetuating harmful stereotypes.
The backlash against Berner intensified when fans pointed out that Megan has a history of dealing with violence. In 2020, Megan was shot in the foot by rapper Tory Lanez, who was later sentenced to 10 years in prison for the incident. Fans felt that Berner’s comment was insensitive and dismissive of Megan’s experiences, as well as her music’s message of empowerment. Many took to social media to express their disappointment, flooding Berner’s TikTok and Instagram posts with demands for an apology. Some users pointed out that Megan’s music does not promote violence but rather confidence and resilience, making Berner’s comment all the more problematic. Others accused her of stereotyping Megan as an “angry Black woman,” a harmful trope that has been used to marginalize Black women for decades.
In response to the backlash, Berner issued an apology on her Instagram Story. She wrote, “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.” She acknowledged that her choice of words was careless and hurtful, saying, “Looking back at the interview, I wish I used any other word except ‘fight’ to describe how her songs impact me.” She emphasized that there was no ill intent behind her comment but recognized that her words had a deeper meaning. Berner concluded her statement by expressing gratitude to those who brought the issue to her attention, showing a willingness to learn and grow from the situation.
The controversy has sparked a broader conversation about the importance of language and representation in media. Many fans and commentators have pointed out that Berner’s comment reflects a larger issue of how Black women’s music and art are often misunderstood or reduced to harmful stereotypes. Megan Thee Stallion’s music, in particular, is celebrated for its themes of female empowerment, self-love, and resilience, making Berner’s framing of it as “fight music” especially misguided. This incident serves as a reminder of the need for greater cultural sensitivity and awareness in media interactions, especially when engaging with marginalized communities.
Despite the apology, the situation has left many fans and critics calling for greater accountability in the entertainment industry. Vanity Fair, which hosted the event where the interview took place, has yet to issue a statement regarding the controversy. This has led some to question whether media outlets are doing enough to ensure that their platforms are inclusive and respectful of all artists, particularly those from diverse backgrounds. The incident also highlights the power of social media in holding public figures accountable for their actions, as fans played a crucial role in bringing attention to the issue and demanding a response.
In conclusion, the controversy surrounding Hannah Berner’s comments to Megan Thee Stallion serves as a stark reminder of the importance of cultural sensitivity and the impact of our words. While Berner has apologized and acknowledged her mistake, the situation underscores the need for greater awareness and understanding in media and beyond. By listening to and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities, we can work toward a more inclusive and respectful cultural landscape.
