Hannah Berner isn’t having the last laugh after the internet called her out for a micro-aggressive joke made during the Vanity Fair After Party.
Hannah and Paige DeSorbo were two of Vanity Fair’s red carpet correspondents for the Oscars After Party.
The Gigglers interviewed everyone from Amy Poehler to Hailey Bieber.
However, their interview with Megan Thee Stallion landed the podcasting duo in hot water.
“When I want to fight someone I listen to your music,” Hannah told Meg.
TikTok immediately clocked that Hannah’s commentary about Meg’s music is linked to black women appearing “aggressive” and further perpetuating a stereotype.
What Hannah *likely* meant by her “joke” is that Megan Thee Stallion’s music hypes you up, and empowers you to take on the day.
Hannah’s actual statement:
“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 begins her statement posted on March 6.
“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, l 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.”
My take
As a black woman, I want to make it clear I do not speak for ALL black women.
I also have grown up in a predominantly white area — so perhaps I extend a little more grace than I should.
That said, I don’t think Hannah meant anything outwardly racist by her joke. Comedians exist in a eco chamber where they still adhere to the code of the early 2000s where everything goes. Equal opportunity slander.
Bringing that energy to this politically charged main stage doesn’t land anymore.
I knew what Hannah meant by her comment, but time and place and the VF carpet was not the time to be controversial. Albeit, I doubt she meant to be.
It’s also clear that Paige and Hannah were incredibly nervous, which added to Hannah’s word vomit.
