Hannah Berner is apologizing to Megan Thee Stallion.
The Giggly Squad podcast host received widespread backlash for her choice of words when interviewing the Grammy-winning rapper on the red carpet at Vanity Fair‘s Oscar afterparty on Sunday, March 2.
Less than one week later, Berner, 33, broke her silence on the matter and issued an apology statement posted to her Instagram Stories.
“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 began. “Looking back at the interview, I wish I used any other word except ‘fight’ to describe how her songs impact me.”
“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,” concluded the Summer House alum.
During the red carpet at Vanity Fair‘s Oscar afterparty, Berner spoke with the rapper alongside her former Bravo costar Paige DeSorbo.
“I start my day with you and only you,” DeSorbo, 32, told the artist in reference to her music. Berner added, “No, your music has literally — when I want to fight someone, I listen to your music.”
Megan replied, “Because you want to throw that fighting s—t out the window and you want to get cute and be a bad b—-.”
Berner added, “When people are talking s—t, I go, ‘Turn on Megan Thee Stallion!'” She then noted that she was a fan of Megan’s In Her Words documentary that premiered on Amazon Prime Video in October 2024.
Viewers were quick to react to Berner’s choice of words during the interview, particularly the use of her word “fight” in association with Megan’s music.
She quickly received backlash, with many saying her comments were “microaggressions” with “racist” undertones.
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Megan has previously been vocal about the messages behind her music. In March 2020, she broke down the meaning behind her song “B.I.T.C.H.” during an interview with Genius, and specifically addressed her aversion to fighting.
“My God let me tell you fighting is so ugly,” Megan told the outlet. “Look, nails long. Girls is paying $80 to get their nails done… Do you know nails just go up.”
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