Controversial Comments by Hannah Berner Spark Outrage for Megan Thee Stallion

LOS ANGELES, CA — Comedian Hannah Berner has found herself at the center of controversy following comments made during an interview with rapper Megan Thee Stallion at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party on March 2, 2025. During the exchange, Berner suggested that Megan’s music inspires feelings of aggression, a remark that many observers quickly labeled as a microaggression and racially insensitive.

Co-hosting the segment for Vanity Fair, Berner and her partner Paige DeSorbo began by complimenting Megan’s contributions to women’s empowerment through her music. ‘You give so much confidence to women everywhere. What do you do when you’re not feeling confident?’ Berner asked, prompting Megan to respond with heartfelt encouragement about self-empowerment.

However, the tone of the interview shifted when Berner remarked, ‘Your music has literally made me, like, when I want to fight someone, I listen to your music.’ This statement quickly drew backlash on social media, with critics arguing that it perpetuates harmful stereotypes of Black women as aggressive or violent.

One user on social media commented, ‘Megan doesn’t have a single song about fighting,’ while others expressed frustration that Berner and DeSorbo appeared unprepared for nuanced conversations about race and representation. Many called for hiring actual journalists to conduct interviews, as the pair’s performance felt lacking in professionalism.

Megan attempted to redirect the conversation, emphasizing her music’s themes of self-love and positivity. ‘Cause you want to throw that fighting thoughts out the window and get cute and be a bad b***h,’ she asserted, showcasing her commitment to uplifting themes rather than aggression.

The fallout highlighted a larger conversation about the representation of Black women in media and the stereotypes they are often subjected to. Observers noted that Berner’s comments echoed the stereotype of the ‘angry Black woman,’ frustrating advocates for more respectful and authentic portrayals in entertainment.

As videos of the interview circulated, criticism continued to mount, with some audiences calling Berner’s remarks ‘egregious’ and urging for more training for entertainment influencers engaging in sensitive dialogues. ‘Meg handled that micro aggression so well,’ one internet user remarked, drawing attention to Megan’s grace throughout the exchange.

No immediate response had been issued by either Berner or Vanity Fair as of Wednesday, and both parties have faced calls for accountability. The Cut has reached out for comment but has yet to hear back from either camp.

This incident serves as a reminder of the complexities involved in cultural representation and the importance of approaching discussions about race with sensitivity and awareness. As the entertainment industry continues to evolve, the need for informed dialogue remains critical.