When AP interviewers unexpectedly interrupted R&B legend Babyface to shout at singer Chappell Roan on the 2025 Grammy Awards red carpet, he became the focus of an embarrassing and highly criticized incident. Babyface responded politely to the interruption and then released a statement highlighting that the night was about honoring music and the bonds it creates.

The incident happened on Sunday night, as Babyface, a 12-time Grammy winner and industry veteran, was being interviewed by the Associated Press outside the Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles. He began to respond seriously to the discussion, which centered on the growth of female R&B musicians and the genre's evolution.

However, one of the interviewers, Krysta Fauria, abruptly shouted out to Chappell Roan, one of the evening's most nominated musicians to grab her attention, before Babyface could finish his response.
As their attention shifted towards Roan, the 'This Is for the Lover In You' hitmaker hesitated briefly, taken aback by the interruption. Keeping his cool, he graciously accepted the change in focus and, without fuss, returned the microphone with a smile, said,
"You guys wanna do that? Go do that."
In a statement to TMZ, the music icon made it clear that his focus remained on the music and the sense of community at the event, even though the incident received a lot of media attention. He went on to say,
"It’s all love. The best part of the night was reconnecting with old friends, meeting new artists, and feeling all the love in the room. That’s what I’ll remember. That’s what it’s really about. Music is bigger than any one moment. Much love to everyone who won and everyone out here making great music."
His reaction upheld his standing as an example of pure class by emphasizing the value of music and friendship over any one instance of alleged disrespect. His history speaks for itself, and despite the disruption, he remained one of R&B's most admired characters.
Babyface's snub sparks backlash and social media reactions
Many fans and industry veterans criticized the Associated Press interviewers for their handling of the incident as it swiftly went viral. Fans of Babyface were disappointed by what they perceived as a lack of regard for a performer who has had a major influence on the music business over many years.
Social media users criticized the reporters' decision to sidestep an artist of his caliber in the middle of a talk in favor of someone else.
Music legend Dionne Warwick was among many who openly expressed their disgust, questioning the reporter's professionalism on X(formerly Twitter). She highlighted the significance of being respectful in professional situations by posting a screenshot of the definition of the word "decorum" and explicitly tagging the Associated Press.
Khloé Kardashian also expressed her annoyance with the treatment of the music icon. She called the incident
"So disrespectful."
She praised the R&B icon for his decades of work as a songwriter, producer, and singer. He has influenced several generations' sounds with decades of innovative work. In closing, she emphasized that regardless of an artist's size,
"You don’t treat people like this."
Actor Eric West pointed out that instead of immediately turning their focus away from him, the reporters should have introduced him to Roan in a smooth manner.
AP reporter issues an apology
Krysta Fauria subsequently addressed the situation during the Associated Press' red carpet broadcast, admitting her error amid the mounting criticism.
She apologized for interrupting Babyface and said that the tumultuous atmosphere on the red carpet was the cause of the incident. She said,
"I wanted to say that I'm really sorry about interrupting Babyface earlier," she said. "Chappell Roan had come up, and there was a lot of commotion, as there is on these carpets. But I'm a big Babyface fan, as are we all. And so I just wanted to say that, that I really apologize."
Despite her apology's attempt to diffuse the topic, many fans felt that the incident highlighted a more significant problem with honoring and valuing music heroes.

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