The recent New York Fashion Week event on Sept. 7 has ignited a social media firestorm, primarily due to a playful dare from Kathy Hilton that involved comedian Tiffany Haddish. The incident has raised eyebrows and sparked discussions about race, privilege and the entertainment industry.
The dare that went viral
While attending Monse’s spring 2025 show, Kathy Hilton, 65, encouraged Tiffany Haddish, 44, to walk the runway. This spontaneous moment, captured in a video shared by Paris Hilton, quickly turned into a controversial topic online. As Haddish donned an olive-green suit and strutted down the runway, the audience responded with cheers, but not everyone was pleased.
Backlash on social media
Critics took to social media to voice their disapproval of the stunt. Many questioned the appropriateness of the dare, suggesting that it perpetuated stereotypes and highlighted issues of race and class.
These reactions reflect a broader concern about how Black entertainers are sometimes perceived and treated in predominantly White spaces.
Was it all staged?
Amid the backlash, speculation arose that the stunt may have been more than just a spur-of-the-moment dare. Kathy Hilton was spotted wearing a “MONSE” t-shirt and reportedly mentioned a $100,000 offer for Haddish to participate. This has led some to believe that the incident was orchestrated as a promotional stunt for the designer, raising questions about authenticity in the fashion world.
Community reactions
The incident has sparked a conversation about the dynamics of race and privilege in the entertainment industry. Many in the African American community are reflecting on the implications of such public displays and the expectations placed on Black entertainers. The reactions highlight a need for deeper discussions about representation and respect in all areas of entertainment.
