Grammy-winning rapper Doechii found herself at the center of online debate this week after a behind-the-scenes moment from the 2025 Met Gala went viral — showing the artist raising her voice at assistants while trying to stay hidden from paparazzi. But instead of issuing a traditional apology, the rising star is doubling down and speaking openly about the pressures of the night.
In the now widely circulated TikTok clip, filmed outside New York’s Mark Hotel where celebrities often prep before the Met Gala, Doechii is seen surrounded by staff as they scramble to conceal her look. “Give me another umbrella. I need more f—ing umbrellas,” she says in a raised voice. Some fans were quick to accuse her of being rude or disrespectful to her team, criticizing the tone and the use of profanity.
But others weren’t so quick to judge — especially after Doechii responded to the controversy in her own way.
On Wednesday, the rapper took to TikTok to post a tongue-in-cheek response video with the caption, “God forbid a girl needs more umbrellas.” In her caption, she added a more sincere note: “All jokes aside this was such an overstimulating night but I wouldn’t trade it for the world! This was the night we all dreamed of and my team killed it (umbrellas aside).”
She also expressed gratitude to her glam and styling teams on Instagram, sharing that she had “dreamed of attending the Met Gala” for years and was proud of how the night turned out. Her statement made no direct apology — and for many, that’s where opinions split.
This approach isn’t new. Doechii is the latest in a wave of female pop stars who are no longer apologizing for moments of frustration or discomfort in public spaces. In 2024, fellow singer Chappell Roan faced a similar wave of criticism for yelling at a photographer and avoiding fan interactions at the VMAs. Instead of apologizing, Roan spoke candidly about how the demands of fame and fan culture were taking a toll on her mental health.
Likewise, Doechii’s reaction sparked both support and disapproval. Rapper JT, formerly of City Girls, defended the artist in the TikTok comments, saying, “That was anxietyyyyyyy🖤! Big night! Your debut! Getty was there, I get it! You ate!”
Doechii’s defenders argue that the clip reflects a moment of understandable stress during one of the biggest fashion events in the world. They point out that a first appearance at the Met Gala can mark a turning point in a celebrity’s career, bringing immense pressure and scrutiny.
“She didn’t insult anyone — she was trying to protect her big moment,” one fan wrote on Instagram. “It’s easy to judge until you’re the one being screamed at by cameras.”
Critics, however, argue that regardless of the situation, speaking harshly to team members isn’t acceptable. “She could have handled that better and set a stronger example,” one commenter posted. “A little humility wouldn’t hurt.”
So far, Doechii has remained quiet beyond her initial TikTok and Instagram Story. A representative has not issued any official comment.
As celebrities continue to walk the line between authenticity and accountability, Doechii’s Met Gala moment highlights a growing tension in pop culture: the expectation that public figures remain poised at all times versus the recognition that they, too, experience stress, nerves, and overwhelm.
Whether this moment fades quickly or sticks as a defining part of her image, one thing’s certain — Doechii isn’t interested in playing the game by old rules. And for better or worse, her fans — and critics — are paying attention.