- Cardi B's dress galvanized the Met Gala
- Her comments about it drew criticism
- THIS is how she responded
What a night it always is! In a whirlwind of glamour and controversy, Cardi B found herself at the center of a social media storm following her appearance at the 2024 Met Gala. The event, celebrated under the theme "Sleeping Beauties: Reawakening Fashion," saw the "Bodak Yellow" singer donning an eye-catching ensemble by Chinese designer Sensen Lii.
Yet, it wasn't just the dress that caught everyone's attention but Cardi's comments on the red carpet that sparked an online debate.
A Comment Gone Wrong
During a high-pressure interview with Vogue's Emma Chamberlain, Cardi B attempted to credit her dress's creator but ended up referring to Lii by his ethnicity rather than his name. "It's this amazing designer. They're Asian and everything," she said, a remark that quickly drew criticism for being racially insensitive.
However, Cardi was quick to clarify her intentions in a now-deleted video, explaining the mix-up was due to the red carpet's chaos and her fear of mispronouncing the designer's name.
"So when I was getting interviewed, I kind of forgot to pronounce the designer's name because his name is a little bit complicated," she added. "So I was like, 'Damn, how to pronounce his name!' Like, my mind was just racing."
She also spoke about how identifying the designer as "Asian" was not intended to come off as offensive.
The "Up" rapper continued, "I said 'Asian designer' because I knew the designer was Asian but I didn't, I wasn't sure what nationality the designer was. And I feel like it's offensive if I was to be like, 'Oh, some Chinese designer' or 'some Korean designer' or 'some Vietnamese designer.'"
She also pointed out that she didn't want to get someone's nationality mixed up.
The designer did not respond to the backlash, but did repost a "thank you" note Cardi posted on her Instagram Story saying, "I have to give another thank you to @windowsen I chose you because of your amazing talent and you came through really making this Met Gala a night to remember @sensenlii."
Despite the backlash, Sensen Lii remained above the fray, choosing instead to share a "thank you" note from Cardi on his Instagram Story. The note highlighted the rapper's appreciation for Lii's talent and his contribution to making the Met Gala a memorable night for her.
The dress itself, a masterpiece created from nearly 3000 meters of organza, was a nod to the gala's theme, symbolizing the fertility and vastness of the land—a detail that underscores the creative synergy between the artist and the designer.
Also interesting:
It's over
While the internet is quick to judge, Cardi B's Met Gala moment serves as a reminder of the pressures celebrities face and the importance of understanding over criticism. Her quick response and clarification show a willingness to own up to mistakes, a trait that's as commendable as her fearless fashion choices.
