Lisa, the global superstar from BLACKPINK, is no stranger to headlines, but her latest appearance at the Met Gala has brought on a wave of backlash that’s hard to ignore. As fans and critics alike try to dissect her outfit, the question lingers: is it fair to place all the blame on Lisa for what happened at one of fashion’s most talked-about events? Let’s dive deeper into the controversy, the history behind it, and ask whether Lisa is truly to blame for this latest scandal.
Lisa’s Met Gala Outfit: The Rosa Parks Theory
At this year’s Met Gala, Lisa wore an embroidered lace bodysuit that sparked fierce debates online. The bodysuit, designed by artist Henry Taylor for Louis Vuitton, featured several faces stitched into the fabric. One of those faces bears a striking resemblance to the iconic civil rights activist, Rosa Parks. The outfit quickly became a point of contention, with many internet users pointing out the controversial placement of Parks’ face on intimate apparel. Critics felt that placing such significant imagery on lingerie was a disrespectful move, particularly at an event like the Met Gala, which prides itself on pushing boundaries but often in more celebratory, artistic ways.
Pharrell Williams, the Men’s Creative Director for Louis Vuitton, has been instrumental in the vision behind the ensemble. The embroidery, a part of his Men’s Spring-Summer 2024 collection, was crafted by artist Henry Taylor, and while Pharrell’s role in the outfit’s creation isn’t entirely clear, it’s undeniable that he played a major part in its overall design.
Lisa’s History and the Backlash Over Her Racist Past
While the Met Gala outfit became the focal point of criticism, it’s important to note that this isn’t the first time Lisa has faced accusations of racial insensitivity. In the past, leaked audition tapes surfaced that showed Lisa and her BLACKPINK bandmates using the n-word. The incident sparked outrage, with many pointing out the lack of accountability from the group. To this day, neither Lisa nor her bandmates have publicly acknowledged or apologized for the tapes, and the unresolved matter resurfaced amid the latest controversy.
It’s hard to ignore how this history has colored the reaction to Lisa’s Met Gala outfit. Critics argue that, given her past, choosing an outfit that may reference Rosa Parks—a symbol of the Black struggle for equality—while wearing it on intimate apparel only exacerbates the situation. The parallels between Lisa’s previous behavior and her choice of Met Gala attire have made many question her awareness, sensitivity, and respect for the cultural symbols she’s choosing to embody.
BLACKPINK’s Lisa Sparks Controversy at the Met Gala Over Alleged Rosa Parks Mugshot Image on Her Underwear. She also used the N -Word. pic.twitter.com/FKB2MkxpuT
— What’s Da Bizness (@whatsdabizness) May 6, 2025
Did Lisa Really Wear Rosa Parks’ Face on Her Outfit?
While it’s easy to jump to conclusions, the truth is, we don’t really know for sure if the face on Lisa’s outfit is meant to resemble Rosa Parks. Louis Vuitton has yet to release an official statement confirming the identity of the faces featured in the embroidery. What we do know is that the resemblance is hard to ignore, and it’s reasonable for people to draw conclusions based on what they see. However, without an official confirmation, this remains speculation.
So, what can we definitively say? The choice of embroidery—whether intentionally featuring Rosa Parks’ likeness or not—was undeniably a bold move. The placement of such an image on a bodysuit intended for an event like the Met Gala was a decision that demanded more thought. The question remains: was it insensitive or just a case of bad judgment?
Is It Fair to Blame Lisa? What About Pharrell’s Role?
While it’s easy to point fingers at Lisa, we can’t overlook the bigger picture. Pharrell Williams, as Louis Vuitton’s Men’s Creative Director, had a significant role in creating the collection from which Lisa’s Met Gala look was drawn. The embroidery was commissioned by Pharrell for Louis Vuitton’s Men’s Spring-Summer 2024 collection, yet his involvement has been barely addressed when it comes to the backlash. Why is Lisa, who is a part of a much larger creative process, the main target of the criticism?
Even more troubling is that Pharrell, who had a hand in the creation of the design, has faced little to no backlash despite his significant influence over the collection. Moreover, as the creative head of Louis Vuitton’s Men’s collections, Pharrell is also responsible for the decision to omit trousers for the female attendees. It’s a glaring oversight, especially considering the themes of “Superfine: Tailoring Black Style” and the attention to detail that the Met Gala demands. Shouldn’t Pharrell share some of the responsibility, too?
Pharrell got everybody without pants. I’m crying 😭😭 I’m so confused rn pic.twitter.com/EaePv5BDpJ
— † (@PHEAUXCOUTURE) May 5, 2025
It’s essential to clarify that we are not justifying any past actions from Lisa that were racially insensitive. Her previous behavior, including the leaked tapes, remains deeply problematic and deserving of accountability. However, when we look at major cultural events like the Met Gala, it’s important to remember that these moments are not the work of one individual. The designers, stylists, and creative directors all have a hand in the final look, and they too should be held accountable for the messaging they put out.
