Cardi B under fire for calling Met Gala gown designer ‘Asian’ after ‘forgetting’ his name
Rapper Cardi B had the internet up in arms after appearing to forget the name of her dress designer on the Met Gala red carpet, instead saying 'they're Asian'.
It's common practice for the A-listers, adorned in custom gowns and suits, to be asked about the inspiration for their look and who spent countless hours making it before the big night.
Cardi B, 31, was no exception, and was interviewed on the red carpet by Emma Chamberlain, on behalf of Vogue during the 6 May ceremony.
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Emma asked: "Do you feel amazing? Who made this?"
Cardi responded: "I feel amazing. It's this amazing designer. They're Asian and everything... so yeah."
Cardi's designer was Sensen Lii, of Windowsen, who is Chinese.
The clip, which was shared to Vogue's social media channels, sparked uproar.
One of the people to weigh in was Vogue‘s former managing director Gilbert Cheah - who is of mixed Chinese and Malay/Indonesian heritage.
He commented on an Instagram reel of Cardi making the comments: "For the record and recognition, and no thanks to Cardi B, the designer of her gown is Sensen Lii who’s Chinese.
"The gown took two months to make. I personally think it’s boring and not even on theme but she chose it and should have at least remembered his name and not just that he’s ‘Asian'."
Cardi responded by writing: "You’re trying to offend me, but you’re actually offending the people behind the scenes."
It seems Cardi has seen the importance in trying to make amends.
She shared a post to her Instagram story that 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."
Cardi has gone one step further and attempted to explain what led to her referring to Sensen as simply 'Asian'.
She posted in another Instagram story.
Cardi began: "First and first, when I was on the red carpet, I was very scared."
She continued: "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 then added she had 'forgotten' how to pronounce Sensen's name because it's 'a little bit complicated'.
"I was like, 'Damn.' How do I pronounce his name? My mind was just racing," she continued.
Ultimately, Cardi concluded she 'didn't want to be offensive'.
Many have taken to social media to share their disappointment.
One person wrote: "Cardi B not remembering the designer who spent 3 months making her met gala dress and just referring to him as 'asian' is just sad and disrespectful…"
Another added: "Disappointing and distasteful for the designer and the team behind that dress."
Kya Buller