Not on the BeyHive’s watch, mister! Beyoncé graced the Met Gala red carpet last night for the first time in 10 years, appearing in a striking, custom Olivier Rousteing-designed sheer dress. The gown also featured a crystal-embellished skeleton outline, hugging the singer’s body in all the right places, while her massive, multicolored feather train sat effortlessly on the Met’s steps. While a portion of Hollywood was waiting for the Queen’s return to the mainstage, telling reporters that she was the person they were most excited to see, actor Paul Anthony Kelly had a different response when asked about the mother of three—one that’s got the BeyHive in full defense mode.
Speaking with Variety on the red carpet, the publication mentioned to Kelly that Beyoncé, 44, was one of the Met Gala’s co-chairs. “Yeah, wild,” he said. “Super fun.”
The reporter followed up with another question, asking the Canadian actor what his favorite song by the 35-time Grammy Award-winning artist was, to which he offered an unexpected answer.
“I don’t know,” he said with a hint of apathy. “I’m a metal head.”
Anthony’s ignorance of Beyoncé’s extensive career and massive music catalog might go overlooked by some, but not by the BeyHIve, who are letting the “American Love Story” performer have it online.
Beyoncé Fans Are Riding For The Singer On X, Dragging Kelly Left And Right
The reaction to Kelly’s statement from Beyoncé’s loyal fanbase is what you might expect. “And just like that, he’s all of a sudden ugly as hell,” someone wrote on X, formerly Twitter.
Another user called Kelly an “arrogant, basic white guy.” They added, “It’s one thing not to know her songs, which is fine, but the way he said it sounds like he can’t even be bothered to think for a minute.”
More netizens chimed in on the conversation, and one even questioned Kelly’s statement, saying there must be something bigger at play for the actor not to know a single Beyoncé song.
“When people say they’ve never heard a Beyoncé or Michael Jackson song, I immediately know they either grew up in a cult or they’re a January 6th groupie. Cause how do you not know the hook or chorus of ONE Beyoncé song?”
Kelly Continues To Face Backlash Over His Seemingly Disinterested Response About Beyoncé
The backlash didn’t end there. Another user said that Kelly’s unfamiliarity with Beyoncé’s discography would normally be overlooked, but since the “Lemonade” singer was one of the event’s co-chairs, they found his position a bit disrespectful.
“Beyoncé is co-chair. She’s on his invitation. No matter how he feels, he could’ve prepared an answer,” the poster shared. “Men don’t like it when they’re not the main character… thats also why men don’t recognise Beyonce as the greatest regardless of her having achievered way more than Michael Jackson. US metrics by nature are about quantity but this never applies to Beyonce because it would mean the greatest is no longer a man- and Thats why this man behaved that why- misogyny.”
Bey Fans Always Go To Bat For The Singer
One might assume Kelly would’ve been prepped to answer questions about Beyoncé at this year’s Met Gala, given that her fans don’t take what they perceive as disrespect lightly.
According to a previous report from PEOPLE, the BeyHive swarmed Rachel Roy’s social media accounts after the release of the 2016 album, “Lemonade,” in which Beyoncé sings about infidelity—specifically “Becky with the good hair.”
“I respect love, marriages, families and strength,” Roy posted on X. “What shouldn’t be tolerated by anyone, no matter what, is bullying, of any kind.”
Bey Speaks On Met Gala Red Carpet
As Beyoncé made her way into the Met Gala last night, she stopped to speak with Vogue, telling the esteemed publication that she was wearing a custom piece by longtime friend and designer Olivier Rousteing. “… somebody who has been so loyal to me, and I’ve done so many iconic looks with him,” Beyoncé said.
Continuing, the “Cowboy Carter” performer called her return to fashion’s biggest night “surreal,” mainly because she was there alongside her daughter, Blue Ivy Carter. “I am excited to experience it through her eyes,” she said.