Thu Mar 06 16:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Influencer’s Red Carpet Interview with Megan Thee Stallion Sparks Outrage

**NEW YORK, NY** – A red carpet interview between podcaster Hannah Berner and rapper Megan Thee Stallion at the Vanity Fair Oscar Party has ignited a firestorm of criticism online. Berner, host of the “Giggly Squad” podcast, made comments perceived by many as microaggressions, referencing Megan Thee Stallion’s music in the context of fighting, despite the rapper’s history as a victim of violence.

The incident, which has since been removed from Vanity Fair’s official platforms, saw Berner repeatedly connect Megan Thee Stallion’s music to aggression, a characterization the rapper repeatedly attempted to deflect. Viewers and critics slammed Berner’s conduct as unprofessional and insensitive, highlighting the ethical lapse in an interview with a prominent Black woman known for her empowerment anthems. The article points out Megan Thee Stallion has been a victim of violence herself, making the comments particularly jarring.

This incident is the latest in a string of controversial red carpet interviews conducted by influencers and content creators increasingly involved in journalism. The author argues that while collaborations between traditional media outlets and influencers can be beneficial, news organizations have a responsibility to ensure those chosen for high-profile assignments possess the necessary journalistic training and understanding of ethical conduct. The author cites other instances of similar failings, both by influencers and trained journalists, highlighting a broader issue of inadequate preparation and a lack of emphasis on decorum.

The piece calls for news outlets to prioritize proper training and ethical considerations when partnering with influencers, arguing that the current trend risks disservice to the creators, the institutions employing them, and the audience. It suggests that the expanding role of influencers in journalism demands a serious conversation about ethical practices and adequate preparation to ensure responsible and respectful reporting.

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