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Babyface Receives Apology After Grammys Red Carpet Interview Incident

Published February 3, 2025

By Lisa Respers France, CNN

(CNN) — Babyface, a beloved music artist, received an apology after a recent incident during the Grammy Awards red carpet interview.

The singer, known for his hit song "Whip Appeal" and as a 12-time Grammy-winning producer and composer, has created numerous successful tracks and collaborated with many of the most notable stars in the music industry. He is also the co-founder of LaFace Records with L.A. Reid, a label significant for launching the careers of artists like Usher, Toni Braxton, and TLC.

However, during an interview with the Associated Press (AP) on the Grammy red carpet livestream, a situation occurred that many viewed as disrespectful toward Babyface and his impressive career.

While Babyface was being interviewed by journalists Krysta Fauria and Leslie Ambriz, Fauria interrupted to call out to Chappell Roan, a nominee for Best New Artist. Roan eventually won the award. Babyface graciously responded to the interruption, saying, "You guys wanna take that? Go do that then," before handing the microphone back to the journalists.

This moment generated significant reaction on social media. Reality star Khloe Kardashian expressed her frustration with the lack of respect shown to Babyface, stating, "It's maddening to see a LEGEND not get the respect and attention they deserve." She highlighted Babyface's extensive contributions to music and his role as a pioneer in the industry.

Additionally, legendary singer Dionne Warwick shared the video clip of the interview on social media, questioning the treatment of Babyface and emphasizing the need for decorum.

Following the backlash, Fauria publicly apologized during the livestream, stating, "I'm really sorry about interrupting Babyface earlier. There was a lot of commotion, as there is on these carpets. But I'm a big Babyface fan, as are we all, and I just wanted to say that I really apologize."

The Associated Press also issued an apology via a statement shared online, saying, "We are deeply sorry for cutting our interview with Babyface short on our YouTube livestream of the Grammys red carpet. We have apologized to him through his representative and to our viewers on the livestream."

Babyface seemed to move past the incident gracefully. In a statement to USA Today, he reflected positively on the night, stating, "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."

Babyface, Grammys, Apology