The glamour of the 2024 Met Gala was marred by controversy, as incidents of racism emerged from the star-studded event. Amidst the dazzling array of celebrities and fashion statements, paparazzi crossed the line with offensive remarks directed at Stray Kids while they posed for photographs. However, the controversy didn't end there.
Cardi B, known for her outspoken nature, found herself in hot water after a comment she made during an interview with Vogue.
When questioned about the designer of her dress, Cardi B fumbled, referring to them as "Asian and everything", perhaps in a momentary lapse of memory.
"I feel amazing. This is an amazing designer. They’re Asian and everything, so yeah", Cardi B's words sparked immediate backlash on social media, with many criticizing her for what they deemed a ‘mannerless’ and potentially ‘racist’ remark. Moreover, there was outcry over her failure to properly credit and promote the designer, especially considering the magnitude of the event in the fashion world.
It was later revealed that Cardi B was adorned in Windowsen by designer Sensen Lii, who hails from China. It's disclosed that the creation of the dress took a total of two months. However, her slip-up in acknowledging the designer's name cast a shadow over the otherwise celebratory occasion.
The response from Korean netizens was divided, with some rushing to Cardi B's defense, citing her past expressions of love for Asian culture as evidence of her innocent intentions. On the other hand, there were those who condemned her actions as a careless display of thoughtlessness. One netizen stated, "It’s not just racism. It’s incredibly rude to the designer who made the dress to say you don’t know who made it when you’re at a famous fashion event wearing their work…" Another commented, "I think even small things like that are racism… Cardi B… I’m a bit disappointed". “Asian human rights are really at rock bottom”, another user expressed.
In an effort to mitigate the situation, Cardi B took to her Instagram story to express her appreciation for the designer. She extended gratitude to Windowsen, acknowledging their exceptional talent and crediting them for making the Met Gala an unforgettable event. Her post read, "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".
She also later shared an Instagram story defending herself, which read, '“First and first, when I was on the red carpet, I was very scared. The dress was supposed to be on a little podium, and I’ve been practicing how to pose on the podium. But on the carpet, I wasn’t allowed to use the podium. So I had a lot of things in my mind, and I was being rushed to the front of the line.”
She further explained that she “forgot to pronounce” the designer’s name because it was “a little bit complicated.” “I was like, ‘Damn.’ How do I pronounce his name? My mind was just racing. I didn’t want to be offensive. I said ‘Asian designer’ because I knew the designer was Asian, but I wasn’t sure what nationality the designer was,” she said.